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BEOWULF 



BEOWULF 



Translated out of the Old English 

BY 

/ 

Chauncey Brewster Tinker M.A. 



NEW YORK 
NEWSON & COMPANY 

1902 






Ts- 



THE LIBRARV OF 
CONGRESS. 

Two CoPli£P HtCfi^.Z' 

im, 20 1302 

COPVWQHT ENTpv 

i PI.ASS ^^XXc Mo. 
COPY Q. 

Copyright, 1902, 
Nbwson & Company. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Introductory Note 7 

Prologue 9 

Part I, Beowulf and Grendel 12 

Part II, Beowulf and Grendel's Mother 64 

Part III, Beowulf and the Dragon 106 

Notes 149 

Index of Proper Names 151 



PREFACE 

The present translation of Beowulf is an at- 
tempt to make as simple and readable a version 
of the poem as is consistent with the character 
of the original. Archaic forms, which have 
been much in favor with translators of Old 
English, have been excluded, because it has 
been thought that vigor and variety are not 
incompatible with simple, idiomatic English. 
The extreme difficulty of choosing an ade- 
quate medium has prevented me from at- 
tempting a verse-translation. To modern 
readers, measures imitative of the Old English 
verse seem quite devoid of rhythm and 
beauty, while ballad measures and blank verse 
suggest almost any other period than that of 
Beowulf. 

The principal ways in which the present 
version differs from a merely literal translation 
are the following: (i) in a rather broad inter- 
pretation of pregnant words and phrases; (2) 
in a conception of some of the Old English 
compounds as conventional phrases in which 
5 



PREFACE 

the original metaphorical sense is dead ; (3) 
in a free treatment of connecting words ; 
(4) in frequent substitution of a proper name 
for an ambiguous pronoun. 

The translation is based on the text of A. J. 
Wyatt (Cambridge, 1898); a few departures 
from his readings are enumerated in the 
Notes. The divisions of the translation are 
in general those of the manuscript, although 
in some cases I have combined two sections. 

I wish to acknowledge my indebtedness to 
preceding translations, from which I have at 
times taken a word or phrase. This transla- 
tion was made before the appearance of Dr. 
Clark Hall's version in England; but I am in- 
debted to his volume for the suggestion of 
printing the episodes in small type. I wish to 
thank those who have helped me from time to 
time, especially Prof. Albert S. Cook, for many 
timely suggestions and much encouragement. 



Yale University, May i, 1902. 



INTRODUCTORY NOTE 

The Old English poem Beowulf \% preserved 
in a single manuscript* in the Cottonian li- 
brary of the British Museum. Aside from the 
internal evidence afforded by this manuscript, 
nothing is known of the origin or authorship 
of the poem. The handwriting of the manu- 
script appears to be of the tenth century, but 
the poem itself is certainly much older. This 
is evident from the fact that one of the events 
of the story (the expedition of King Hygelac 
against the Hetwaras) is historical, and oc- 
curred ca. 512. Allowing time for the later 
events of the story, for the growth of tradi- 
tion and myth, for the introduction of the 
Christian coloring, it seems probable that the 
poem as we now have it is the work of the late 
seventh century. 

All the events of the story take place in 
Denmark and southern Sweden. England is 
nowhere mentioned. It is therefore probable 
that the materials from which the story sprang 

* Cotton Vitellius, A, xv. 
7 



INTRODUCTORY NOTE 

had been brought together before the last 
migrations of the Angles to England. How- 
ever, the poem undoubtedly assumed its final 
form on English soil. Regarding this gradual 
growth of the story, there are a number of 
discrepant views. According to some schol- 
ars, the Beowulf is of strictly popular origin, 
like the later English ballads. But the view 
now generally current is that the poem is the 
work of one man — an Englishman — who recast 
the materials brought from the Continent. 
His work, however, may have been no more 
than the arrangement and editing of various 
well-known lays and sagas, and the addition of 
the Christian elements. 

Apart from its literary interest as the oldest 
of the Germanic epics, the Beowulf v^ invaluable 
as almost the sole remaining trace of a civil- 
ization that preceded the migrations to Eng- 
land. 



[I-I9] 



THE TALE OF BEOWULF 

PROLOGUE 

Of the Danish kings, they who were ancestors to Hrothgar, 
and of the passing of Scyld. 

Lo! we have learned of the glory of the 
kings who ruled the Spear-Danes in the olden 
time, how those princes wrought mighty 
deeds. Oft did Scyld of the Sheaf wrest the 
mead-benches from bands of warriors, from 
many a tribe. The hero terrified them from 
the time when first he was found helpless and 
outcast; for this he met with comfort, waxed 
great beneath the sky and throve in honors, 
until all the neighboring tribes beyond the 
ocean-paths were brought to serve him and 
pay him tribute. That was a good king! 

In after-time a young heir was born to him 
in his hall, whom God sent for a comfort to 
that people. He saw their great distress, how 
in time past they had long suffered for lack of 
a chief. Therefore, the Lord of life, the King 
of glory, granted unto him honor in this world. 
Beowulf, son of Scyld, was renowned in the 
9 



BEOWULF [19-43] 

Danish land ; his fame was spread abroad. So 
ought a youth to win favor by giving gifts 
unto his father's friends, that afterwards will- 
ing companions may attend him in his age, 
and the people serve him in time of war. It 
is by noble deeds that a man shall prosper in 
any land. 

When at length the fated hour was come, 
Scyld, the valiant, departed unto the keeping 
of the Lord. Then his dear companions bore 
him down to the ocean-flood, e'en as he him- 
self had bidden them, while as yet the friend 
of the Scyldings ruled them with his words 
and long did reign o'er them, dear prince of 
the land ! There at the harbor stood a ship 
with curving prow, all icy, eager to depart, — 
meet for a prince! And in the ship's bosom, 
hard by the mast, they laid their dear lord, 
the giver of treasure, that famous hero. Many 
treasures were there, abundance of ornaments 
brought from afar. Never have I heard men 
tell of a ship more splendidly laden with 
battle-weapons and war-harness, with swords 
and coats of mail. Upon his breast lay many 
precious things which were to go far out with 
him into the realm of the waters. Verily no 



[43-52] BEOWULF 

fewer of their gifts and tribal treasures did 
this people bestow upon him than they who at 
his birth sent him forth alone over the wave, 
babe as he was. Moreover, they set up a 
golden banner, high o'er his head, and let the 
sea bear him away, giving him over to the 
deep. Sad at heart were they, sorrowful in 
spirit. No man can truly say — no lord of hall, 
or hero under heaven— into whose hands that 
burden fell. 



[53-63] 



Part I 

BEOWULF AND G REN DEL 

I 

Of Hrothgar, son of Healfdene and king of the Seyldings, 
and how he built a fair mead-hall, which he named 
Heorot. How the merriment in the hall angered 
Grendel, an evil monster. 

Then Beowulf of the Scyldings, dear king 
of the nation, was long famous in the 
cities and among the peoples — the prince, his 
father, had departed from his home — till high 
Healfdene was born to him in after-time. He, 
while he lived, old and fierce in war, ruled 
graciously over the Scyldings. Unto him 
there were born into the world four children 
after this order: Heorogar, leader of armies, 
Hrothgar, and Halga the Good; I have heard 
that Queen Elan was the dear wife of Ongen- 
theow, the warlike Scylfing. 



[64-85] BEOWULF 

Then unto Hrothgar was given success in 
battle, glory in warfare, so that his loyal 
kinsmen gladly obeyed him, until the young 
warriors were grown, a mighty band. It came 
into his mind that he would command his men 
to build a hall, a mead-hall greater than any 
that the children of men had ever heard of, 
and that therein he would give gifts of all 
kinds unto old and young, as God had pros- 
pered him, save the people's land and the lives 
of men. _ 

And I heard men tell how the work of 
adorning the people's hall was allotted unto 
many a tribe, far and wide throughout this 
earth. After a season — quickly, as man's work 
prospereth, — it came to pass that it was com- 
pleted for him, this greatest of halls. And he 
fashioned for it the name of Heorot^ he whose 
word had power far and near. He broke not 
the promise he had made, but gave out rings 
and treasure at the feast. High and pin- 
nacled, the hall towered aloft. Yet it awaited 
the surging blaze of hostile fire; nor was it 
long thereafter that fatal hatred was destined 
to arise between father-in-law and son-in-law, 
after the deadly strife. 
13 



BEOWULF [86-IIO] 

Then that mighty spirit who dwelt in dark- 
ness bore in his wrath for a season to hear 
each day the merriment, loud in the hall. 
There was the sound of the harp, the clear 
song of the gleeman. He spoke, who could 
recount from of old the creation of men, told 
how the Almighty made the earth, the fair- 
faced land, and the waters that compass it 
about; how, exultant in victory. He set the sun 
and moon as lights to lighten the dwellers in 
the land. He adorned all the regions of the 
earth with leaf and branch, and created life 
in everything that lives and moves. 

Thus the king's men lived, bUssful and 
happy, until a certain one, a fiend of hell, 
began to plot mischief. This wrathful spirit 
was called Grendel, a mighty stalker of the 
marches, who haunted the moors, the fens 
and fastnesses. The wretched being had long 
inhabited the abode of the monster kind, e'er 
since the Creator had condemned him. The 
Lord eternal wreaked vengeance upon the 
kindred of Cain, because of the murder — the 
slaying of Abel. He got no pleasure in the 
feud, but the Lord banished him for that 
wicked deed far from mankind. From him 
14 



[III-I29] BEOWULF 

there woke to life all the evil broods, monsters 
and elves and sea-beasts, and giants too, who 
long time strove with God. He gave them 
their reward ! 



II 



Grendel falls upon Heorot and slays thirty heroes. 
Hrothgar and his men are helpless before the mons- 
ter, and the destruction is continued for twelve 
winters. 

As soon as night was come, he set out to 
visit the high-built hall, to see how the Ring- 
Danes were faring after the drinking of the 
mead. And he found therein a band of war- 
rior-nobles sleeping after the feast. They 
knew naught of sorrow, that wretched lot of 
all mankind. The creature of destruction, 
fierce and greedy, wild and furious, was ready 
straight. He seized thirty thanes upon their 
bed. Then back he returned to his abode, 
exulting in his booty, back to his lair with his 
fill of slaughter. 

Then at dawn, with break of day, Grendel's 
deeds were made manifest to men, and the 
voice of weeping was uplifted — a great cry in 
^5 



BEOWULF [129-152] 

the morning, because of the slaughter. The 
great lord, the prince exceeding good, sat 
joyless, when they looked upon the track of 
the monster, the accursed foe; the mighty 
hero suffered, sorrowing for his thanes. Too 
great was that strife, too loathsome and last- 
ing. 

It was no longer than a single night ere he 
wrought more deeds of murder; he recked not 
of the feud and the crime — he was too fixed in 
them! Then, when the hatred of that thane 
of hell was fully known to them, truly told by 
tokens manifest, it was easy to find the man 
who sought him out a resting-place elsewhere 
more at large, a bed among the bowers of the 
hall. He kept himself thereafter further aloof 
and more secure, whosoever escaped the 
fiend. 

Thus he tyrannized over them, and alone 
against them all fought accursedly, until that 
best of houses stood empty. Long was the 
time: for twelve winters the friend of the 
Scyldings suffered distress, yea, every woe, 
unbounded sorrow. And so it became known 
unto the children of men — sadly told in song — 
that Grendel had long been fighting against 
16 



[152-176] BEOWULF 

Ilrothgar, and for many a season had waged 
a bitter war and wicked feud, an unending 
strife. He would not stay the waste of life 
out of compassion unto any of the Danish 
race, nor would he compound with them for 
tribute, and none of the wise men could look 
for a fair ransom from the destroyer's hands. 
The terrible monster, like a dark shadow of 
death, kept pursuing warrior and youth; he 
trapped and ensnared them. Night after night 
he haunted the misty moors. Men know not 
whither hell's sorcerers wander in their rounds. 

Thus the enemy of man, the terrible lone 
wanderer, oft wrought many a foul deed, much 
grievous affliction. In the dark of the night- 
tide he took up his abode in Heorot, the hall 
brightly adorned. Yet he could not approach 
the throne, precious in the sight of God, nor 
did he know His love. 

A great and heart-breaking sorrow was this 
for the kind lord of the Scyldings to bear. 
Many mighty men oft sat in council and de- 
liberated together touching what it were best 
for great-hearted men to do against these 
fearful terrors. Sometimes they vowed sacri- 
fices at their idol-fanes; the people prayed 
17 



BEOWULF [177-192] 

aloud that the Destroying Spirit would aid 
them in the torment that had fallen upon 
them. Such was their custom, such their 
heathen faith ; the thoughts of their heart 
were turned on hell ; they knew not the Cre- 
ator, the Judge of deeds; they wist not of 
the Lord God ; verily, they knew naught of the 
worship of the Ruler of heaven, the King of 
glory. 

Woe unto him who through deadly hate is 
doomed to thrust his soul into the fiery abyss, 
to hope for no comfort, no change in any- 
wise. But blessed is the man who at his death 
may go unto the Lord and find protection in 
his Father's bosom. 

Ill 

In the far country of the Geats one Beowulf hears of 
GrendeVs deeds, and resolves to go to the help of 
Hrothgar. He makes him ready a great ship and 
sails with his men to the country of the Danes. 
On landing he is accosted hy the shore-guard. 

So the son of Healfdene kept ever brooding 
over his sorrow. The wise hero could not 
stay the suffering; too grievous, too long and 
18 



[192-217] BEOWULF 

heart-sickening, was the struggle which had 
come upon that people, a cruel destruction, 
greatest of evils that walk by night. 

A thane of Hygelac, great among the Geats, 
heard of these deeds of Grendel in his native 
land. In his strength he was the best of men 
in the day of this life, noble and mighty. He 
bade make ready for him a goodly ship, he 
said that he would go over the ocean-road 
unto that war-king, the great prince, since he 
had need of men. Little did his prudent 
thanes blame him for that journey, though he 
was dear to them ; they encouraged him in his 
high purpose, and looked for good omens. 
The hero had warriors, chosen from among 
the Geats, the keenest he could find. Fifteen in 
all went down unto the ship. A skilled mar- 
iner pointed out the landmarks unto them. 

Time wore on. The ship was upon the 
waves, the boat under the cliff. The ready 
warriors mounted the prow. The ocean- 
streams dashed the waves upon the beach. 
The men bore rich armor into the bosom of 
the ship, splendid war-harness. The warriors 
pushed off their tight-fitted craft on the 
wished-for adventure. So, driven by the 
19 



BEOWULF [217-244] 

wind, the bark most like unto a bird sped, 
foamy-necked, across the waves, until, about 
the same hour the second day, the curving 
prow had journeyed on so far that the sailors 
saw land, saw gleaming cliffs and lofty hills, 
broad ocean-headlands. Thus the sea was 
crossed, and the voyage ended. Then the 
Weder people went quickly up ashore, and 
made fast their ship, while their sarks and 
battle-armor clashed. Then they thanked 
God that their sea-paths had been easy. 

The guard of the Scyldings, he who had 
been set to watch the headland, saw them 
from the cliff, bearing over the gangway their 
bright shields and ready weapons. His heart 
was urged with longing to know who the men 
were. And the thane of Hrothgar went down 
unto the shore, riding upon his horse. He 
shook his spear mightily with his hands, and 
asked in formal words: ''What warriors are 
ye, in coats of mail, who come hither, sailing 
your great ship, the ring-stemmed bark, over 
the sea, the ocean-paths? I have been war- 
den of the coast and have kept watch by the 
sea that no foe with a ship-army might do 
harm in the Danish land. No shield-bearers 



[244-265] BEOWULF 

have ever tried more openly to land here, nor 
did ye know at all the password, the agree- 
ment of the warriors who are our kinsmen. 
Never have I seen a mightier hero upon 
earth, a mightier man in armor, than is one of 
you. He is no mere retainer decked out with 
weapons, unless his face, his matchless coun- 
tenance, belies him. But now I must know 
your lineage from you, ye false spies, ere ye 
go further in the land of the Danes. Now ye 
seafarers, strangers from afar, give ear to 
my plain counsel: it were best to make known 
forthwith whence ye are come." 

IV 

Beowulf makes answer touching the purpose of his com- 
ing, and is guided ly the coast-warden to Heorot. 

The chieftain, leader of the band, answered 
him again and unlocked the treasure of his 
speech: **We ar£ men of the Geatish tribe, 
and Hygelac's hearth-companions. My father 
was well known among the people, a noble 
prince named Ecgtheow, He lived many win- 
ters ere, full of years, he went his way from 

21 



B EOWULF [266-291] 

home. Him, well nigh every wise man remem- 
bers, the wide world over. With friendly pur- 
pose we are come unto thy lord, the son of 
Healfdene, guardian of the people. Give us thy 
gracious counsel ; we have a great errand unto 
the mighty lord of the Danes. Naught secret 
shall there be in that which I intend. Thou 
knowest if it be, as we have heard for a truth, 
that some foe among the Scyldings, a secret 
destroyer, causes on dark nights by the ter- 
ror of his coming evils untold, shame and 
slaughter. Now by my great mind I may 
perchance give counsel unto Hrothgar, how 
he, the wise and good, can overcome the foe; 
if this anguish of sorrows be ever destined to 
cease from him, release come once again, and 
the waves of care grow cooler; or else, ever 
after, he shall suffer a season of affliction, 
wretched misery, long as the noblest of houses 
stands there in its lofty place." 

The warden spoke, the fearless servant, 
there where he sat upon his horse: "A keen 
shield-warrior, he who judges well, must know 
the difference between words and deeds. I 
learn that this is a band friendly to the lord 
of the Scyldings. Go forth, then, with your 



[292-316] B EOWULF 

weapons and your armor. I will guide you. 
Likewise, I will command the thanes, my kins- 
men, to guard your ship with honor against 
every foe, the new-tarred boat there upon the 
strand, until the bark with curving prow bear 
the dear master back over the ocean-streams 
to Wedermark. Unto so brave a man it shall 
be granted to endure unharmed the rush of 
battle." 

Then they departed along their way; the 
boat lay quiet, the broad-bosomed ship rested 
on her moorings, fast at anchor. The boar- 
images above their cheek-guards glistened, 
gold-adorned, fair, and hardened in the fire, — 
there the boar kept guard. The men hurried 
on in warlike mood ; they hastened, marching 
on together, till they caught sight of the well- 
built hall, stately and bright with gold. That 
was the greatest among the dwellings of men 
beneath the skies; in it dwelt the king, and 
its light shone over many lands. Then the 
bold chief pointed out to them that radiant 
dwelling of brave men that they might 
straightway go unto it. The war-hero turned 
his horse and spoke to them: *'It is time for 
me to go. May the Almighty Father by his 
23 



BEOWULF [316-336] 

grace keep you safe in your adventures. I 
will down unto the sea to keep watcn against 
hostile bands." 



V 



Beowulf and his men come to Heorot. They are met by 
the herald, who tells their coming to King Hrothgar. 

The street was bright with many-colored 
stones; and the path guided the band of men. 
The byrnie gleamed, hard and hand-locked, 
the bright iron rings sang in the armor, as 
they approached the hall in their battle- 
harness. Weary of the sea, they placed their 
shields, bucklers wondrous hard, against the 
wall of the house; they sat down upon the 
benches. Their byrnies rang, harness of 
heroes. Their ashen spears stood together, 
the gray-tipped weapons of the seamen. This 
armored band was well adorned with weapons. 

Then a proud warrior asked the heroes con- 
cerning their lineage: "Whence bring ye your 
plated shields, your gray war-shirts, and your 
visored helmets and this heap of spears? I 
am Hrothgar's servant and herald. Never 



[336-359] BEOWULF 

have I seen so great a band of strangers of 
more courageous mood. I think that ye have 
sought out Hrothgar nowise as exiles, but 
from valor and out of the greatness of your 
hearts." 

And the proud lord of the Weder people, 
famed for his strength, answered him again ; 
he spoke a word to him, bold under his hel- 
met: "We are table-companions of Hygelac. 
Beowulf is my name. I will tell my errand 
unto the son of Healfdene, the great king thy 
lord, if he will grant us to approach him who 
is so good." 

Wulfgar spoke (he was a chief of the Wend- 
las, his greatness was known unto many, his 
wisdom and might) : " I will ask the friend of 
the Danes, king of the Scyldings, giver of 
rings, the mighty lord, touching thy journey, 
as thou dost entreat, and will straightway 
make known to thee what answer the good 
king thinketh meet to give me." 

And he turned quickly to where Hrothgar 
was sitting, old and very white-haired, with 
his company of thanes; the valiant man went 
until he stood before the face of the lord of 
the Danes, — he knew the custom of the court. 
25 



BEOWULF [360-384] 

Wulfgar spoke to his friendly lord: '* Hither 
are come across the sea-waves travelers, 
Geatish men from a far country. Warriors 
call their chieftain Beowulf. They beg to 
speak with thee, my lord. Refuse not to 
converse with them, O gracious Hrothgar. 
In their equipment they seem worthy of the 
esteem of heroes, and verily the chief who led 
the warriors hither is a man of valor." 

VI 

Beowulf is graciously welcomed hy the king, and there- 
upon tells how he will fight with Grendel. 

Then spoke Hrothgar, defence of the Scyld- 
ings: "I knew him when he was a child; his 
old father was called Ecgtheow, to whom at 
his home Hrethel the Geat gave his only 
daughter in marriage. His bold son is now 
come hither unto a loyal friend. Moreover, 
the seafarers, who carried thither rich gifts as 
good-will offerings to the Geats, have said 
that he, strong in battle, had in the grip of 
his hand the strength of thirty men. Him 
holy God hath sent unto us, as I hope, to be 
a gracious help to the West-Danes against the 
26 



[384-408] BEOWULF 

terror of Grendel. I shall give the hero gifts 
for his boldness. Make haste and bid all the 
band of kinsmen come in together unto us. 
Say to them moreover that they are welcome 
among the Danish people." 

Then Wulfgar came to the door of the hall 
and announced the word from within: "My 
victorious lord, prince of the East-Danes, bids 
me say that he knows your noble lineage, and 
that ye, as men of stout courage, are welcome 
unto him hither over the billows of the sea. 
Now ye may go in unto Hrothgar in your war- 
array, under your helmets ; but let your spears, 
shafts of slaughter, here await the issue of 
your words." 

Then the mighty one arose with many a 
warrior round him, — it was a noble group of 
thanes! Some remained and guarded the 
armor as the chief bade them. The heroes 
hastened on, as the guide led them under the 
roof of Heorot. The great-hearted man, bold 
under his helmet, went on until he stood 
within the hall. Beowulf spoke, — on him 
gleamed his byrnie, his coat of mail linked by 
the smith's craft — : ''Hail to thee, Hrothgar! 
I am Hygelac's kinsman and thane. Many 
27 



BEOWULF [408-434] 

an exploit have I undertaken in the days of 
my youth. In my native land I learned of 
Grendel's deeds; for seafarers say that this 
hall, this best of houses, stands empty and 
useless for all men, as soon as evening light 
is hidden under the vault of heaven. And 
my people, e'en the best and wisest men 
among them, urged me, king Hrothgar, to 
come unto thee, for they knew the strength 
of my might. They had themselves looked 
on when I came from the fight, stained with 
the blood of my foes. There I bound five 
of my enemies, destroyed a giant race, and 
slew by night the sea-beasts on the Wave. I 
endured great distress, avenged the affliction 
of the Weder people, — they who had suffered 
woes! I ground the angry foe in pieces. And 
now I alone will decide the fight with Grendel, 
the giant monster. One boon I beg of thee, 
prince of the Bright Danes, defence of the 
Scyldings: — Deny me not, thou shield of war- 
riors, friend of the people, now I am come so 
far, that I alone, I and my band of thanes, 
this my brave company, may cleanse Heorot 
of the evil that has come upon it. I have 
learned, too, that the monster in his rashness 
28 



[434-455] BEOWULF 

recks not of weapons. Therefore, so that the 
heart of Hygelac my lord may be gladdened 
because of me, I scorn to carry sword or 
broad shield, the yellow buckler, into the 
fight. But with my hands I will grapple the 
fiend and fight for life, foe against foe. He 
whom death taketh must rely upon the judg- 
ment of the Lord. I think that if he can 
prevail in the hall of war he will fearlessly 
devour the Geats e'en as he has often de- 
voured the best of the Hrethmen. Thou shalt 
have no need to bury my head if death take 
me, for he will have me, all red with gore ; he 
will bear away the corpse to feast upon it; 
the lone wanderer will pitilessly eat it, stain- 
ing his moor-haunts; thou needst not then 
take more thought for the sustenance of my 
body. But send thou to Hygelac, if the fight 
take me, the matchless mail, best of armors, 
that guards my breast; it is a relic of Hrethla, 
and the work of Weland. Wyrd ever goeth 
her destined course." 



BEOWULF [456-474] 



VII 

Erothgar makes answer touching the deeds of Grendel. 
They feast in Heorot. 

Then spoke Hrothgar, defence of the Scyld- 
ings: ''With kindly help, my friend Beowulf, 
thou hast come to fight in our defence. Thy 
father fought the greatest of feuds, for he 
slew with his hand Heatholaf among the Wyl- 
fings; wherefore the Weder people, in dread 
of war, could not harbor him. F. om there he 
fled to the South-Danes, the honored Scyld- 
ings, over the rolling of the waves; at the 
time when I first ruled the Danish folk, and 
in my youth held the wealthy city of heroes, 
rich in treasure, for Heregar, Healfdene's son, 
was dead, my elder brother lifeless; — he was a 
better man than I. Afterwards I settled that 
feud with money ; I sent olden treasures to 
the Wylfings across the ocean's back ; and 
Ecgtheow swore oaths to me. 

Sorrowful am I in soul to tell unto any man 
what shame and sudden mischief Grendel has 
wrought for me in Heorot out of his hateful 
30 



[474-498] BEOWULF 

thoughts. My hall-troop, my warrior-band, is 
melted away. Wyrd hath swept them away 
into the horrid clutch of Grendel. God alone 
can easily check the deeds of that mad foe. 
Full oft my warriors, when the beer was 
drunken, have boastfully vowed over their 
ale-cups to await with their terrible swords the 
onset of Grendel in the beer-hall. Then in 
the morning, when shone the day, this mead- 
hall, this lordly house, was all stained with 
blood, the benches reeking with gore, — the hall 
was drenched in blood. So, the fewer loyal 
men, beloved warriors, had I then because of 
those whom death did snatch away. Sit now 
to the feast, and unseal to men as thy mind 
moveth thee, the thoughts of thy heart, and all 
thy confidence of victory." 

Then in the beer-hall a bench was made 
ready for the Geatmen, one and all. Thither 
the stout-hearted men went to sit in the pride 
of their strength. A thane did service, who 
bore a chased ale-flagon in his hand, and 
poured out the bright mead. At times a bard 
sang, clear-voiced in Heorot. There was 
merriment among the heroes, no little rejoic- 
ing of Danes and Weders. 
31 



BEOWULF [499-515] 



VIII AND IX 

Unferth, a thane of Hrothgar, grows jealous of Beowulf 
and taunts him, raking up old tales of a swimming- 
match with Breea. Beowulf is angered and boast- 
fully tells the truth touching that adventure, and 
puts Unferth to silence. Queen Wealhtheow passes 
the cup. Hrothgar commends Heorot to the care of 
Beowulf. 
Unferth, the son of Ecglaf, who sat at the 
feet of the lord of the Scyldings, spoke, 
and stirred up a quarrel ; the coming of 
Beowulf, the brave seafarer, vexed him sore, 
for he would not that any other man under 
heaven should ever win more glories in this 
world than he himself. ''Art thou that Beo- 
wulf who didst strive with Breca on the broad 
sea and didst contend with him in swimming, 
when ye two, foolhardy, made trial of the 
waves and for a mad boast risked your lives 
in the deep water ? None, friend or foe, could 
turn you from the sorry venture when ye two 
swam out upon the sea. But ye enfolded the 
ocean-streams with your arms, measured the 
sea-streets, buffeted the water with your 
hands, gliding over the deep. The ocean 
32 



[5I5-540] BEOWULF 

was tossing with waves, a winter's sea.. Seven 
nights ye toiled in the power of the waters ; 
and he overcame thee in the match, for he had 
the greater strength. Then at morning-tide 
the sea cast him up on the coast of the Heatho- 
rsemas, whence he, beloved of his people, 
went to his dear fatherland, the country of 
the Brondings, and his own fair city where he 
was lord of a stronghold, and of subjects and 
treasure. Verily, the son of Beanstan made 
good all his boast against thee. Wherefore, 
though thou hast ever been valiant in the 
rush of battle, I look to a grim fight, yea, and 
a worse issue, for thee, if thou darest for the 
space of one night abide near Grendel." 

Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, spoke: ''Well! 
thou hast said a deal about Breca in thy 
drunkenness, Unferth my friend, and hast 
talked much of his adventure. The truth now 
I tell, that I had more sea strength, more bat- 
tling with the waves, than any man else. We 
talked of this when boys, and boasted, being 
yet in the days of our youth, that we would 
venture our lives out at sea ; and we per- 
formed it even so. Naked in our hands, we 
held our hard swords as we swam, purposing 
33 



BEOWULF [540-569] 

to defend us against the whale-fishes. He, 
nowise swifter on the flood, could not float 
far from me through the waves, nor would I 
part from him. Thus we two were in the sea 
for the space of five nights, till the flood, the 
tossing waves, coldest of weathers, and dark- 
ning night drove us apart, and a fierce north 
wind beat down upon us, — rough were the 
waves. The spirit of the sea-fishes was roused ; 
then my corslet, hard and hand-wrought, was 
of help to me against the foes; my woven 
armor, gold-adorned, lay upon my breast. An 
evil monster dragged me to the bottom; the 
grim foe held me fast in its clutch; yet it was 
granted unto me to strike the creature with 
the point of my war-sword ; the fierce strug- 
gle carried off the mighty sea-beast by my 
hand. 

"Thus did the evil creatures often press 
me hard, but as was meet, I served them well 
with my war-sword; they had no joyous fill, 
by eating me, wicked destroyers, sitting round 
their feast nigh the bottom of the sea; but in 
the morning, wounded by the sword, slain by 
the dagger, they lay up along the sea-strand 
so that they could nevermore hinder seafarers 
34 



[569-591] BEOWULF 

on their course in the deep channel. 

"Light came from the East, the bright 
beacon of the Lord ; the waves were stilled, 
and I could descry the sea-headlands, those 
wind-swept walls. Wyrd often saveth the 
warrior not doomed to die, if he be of good 
courage. However, it was granted unto me 
to slay nine sea-beasts with the sword. Never 
yet have I heard of a more desperate nightly 
struggle under the vault of heaven, nor of a 
man more sore beset among the ocean-streams ; 
yet I escaped with my life from the clutch of 
my foes, though spent with my adventure. 
The sea, the current of the flood, bore me on 
unto the land of the Finns. 

** Naught have I heard of like exploits on 
thy part, naught of the terror of thy sword. 
Breca never yet, nay, nor either of you, hath 
wrought so boldly in the play of battle with 
blood-stained swords — I boast not much of 
that — though thou wast the slayer of thine 
own brethren, thy next of kin ; for that thou 
shalt suffer damnation in hell, good though 
thy wit may be. I say unto thee truly, thou 
son of Ecglaf, that Grendel, the fell monster, 
had never wrought so many awful deeds 

35 



BEOWULF [592-616] 

against thy lord, this shame in Heorot, were 
thy mind and heart so fierce in battle as thou 
thyself sayest. But he has found that he need 
not greatly fear the enmity, the dread attack, 
of thy people, the Victor-Scyldings. He takes 
forced pledges from you, he spares none of 
the Danish people, but he preys upon you for 
his pleasure; he kills and feasts, and looks 
not for resistance from the Spear-Danes. I, 
however, shall show unto him ere long the 
strength and courage of the Geats in the 
fight. Thereafter let him who may, go proudly 
to the mead-drinking when the morning-light 
of another day, the sun in ether clad, shines 
from the South over the children of men." 

Then rejoiced the giver of treasure, the 
gray-haired king, famous in battle; the prince ' 
of the Bright-Danes trusted in him for help; 
the shepherd of the people heard from Beowulf 
his firm resolve. And the laughter of the 
thanes arose; loud rang the din and joyous 
were their words. 

Wealhtheow, Hrothgar's queen, went forth, 

mindful of courtesies; in her gold array she 

greeted the men within the hall. The noble 

lady first gave the cup unto him who guarded 

36 



[616-641] BEOWULF 

the land of the East-Danes; she bade him, be- 
loved of his people, be blithe at the beer- 
drinking. The victorious king partook in 
gladness of the feast and the hall-cup. Then 
the lady of the Helmings moved about unto 
old and young in every part of the hall, 
handing the costly cup, until the moment 
came that the diademed queen, noble of mind, 
bore the cup to Beowulf. She greeted the 
lord of the Geats, and thanked God, discreet 
in her words, that the desire of her heart was 
brought to pass, that she might put her trust 
in some hero for relief from all her affliction. 
That warrior, fierce in strife, received the cup 
from Wealhtheow ; and then, eager for the 
fight, Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, spoke and 
said: '* I made this resolve when I put to sea 
and embarked with my band of men; that I 
would either wholly fulfil the desire of your 
people, or fall in the struggle, fast in the grip 
of the fiend. I shall bravely accomplish noble 
deeds or abide mine end in this mead-hall." 
These words, these boastings of the Geat, 
were well-pleasing to the lady; the noble 
queen, in her array of gold, went to sit by her 
lord. 



BEOWULF [642-661] 

Then again as of old the great word was 
spoken in that hall; joyous was the com- 
pany, — there was the sound of a mighty peo- 
ple, — until of a sudden the son of Healfdene 
was minded to go to his evening rest ; for 
he knew that the monster intended war upon 
the high hall, as soon as men could no more 
see the light of the sun, and shadowy crea- 
tures came gliding forth, wan 'neath the 
clouds, night darkening over all. The whole 
company arose. Hrothgar greeted Beowulf — 
hero greeted hero — and wished him well, 
wished him the mastery in the wine-hall, and 
spoke this word: "Never, since I could lift 
hand and shield, have I entrusted unto any 
man this royal hall of the Danes, save now 
unto thee. Have thou and hold this best of 
houses; bethink thee of thy mighty deeds, 
show forth thy valiant strength, be watchful 
against the foe. Thy desires shall not be un- 
satisfied, if thou escape with thy life from the 
great adventure." 



38 



[562-680] BEOWULF 



X 



They leave Beowulf and Us men alone in the hall. Grendel 
draws nigh. 

And Hrothgar, lord of the Scyldings, went 
out of the hall with his company of men; for 
the warrior-chief was minded to go unto 
Wealhtheow, his queen and consort. The 
glorious king, as men have learned, had set 
a guardian in the hall to wait for Grendel; 
Beowulf did special service for the lord of the 
Danes, keeping watch against the coming of 
the monster. Verily, the chief of the Geats 
trusted surely in his mighty strength and in 
the favor of the Lord. Then he put off from 
him his iron byrnie and took the helmet from 
his head; his jeweled sword, choicest of 
weapons, he gave unto his thane, bidding him 
take charge of his war-armor. Then, ere he 
mounted upon his bed, Beowulf, the great 
Geat, spoke a boastful word: " I deem myself 
nowise lesser than Grendel in my deeds of 
warfare; therefore, not with the sword will I 
quell him and take his life, though I am fully 
39 



BEOWULF [680-704] 

able. He knows not the use of good weapons, 
■ — how to strike at me, or hew my shield, fierce 
though he be in evil deeds; but we two this 
night will use no sword, if he dare come to 
the fight without a weapon. Therefore let 
all-knowing God, the holy Lord, adjudge the 
victory to whichsoever it be, as seemeth meet 
to Him." 

Then the brave warrior laid him down and 
the pillow received the face of the hero, and 
round about him many a bold seaman sank 
down upon his bed. None of them thought 
ever again to reach the home he loved, his 
kinsfolk, or the town where he was bred ; for 
they had heard that a bloody death had al- 
ready carried off far too many of the Danish 
men in that wine-hall. But the Lord wove 
victory for them, granting unto the Weder 
people comfort and help, inasmuch as they 
should all overcome their enemy by one man's 
might and by his single strength. And thus 
the truth is manifest that Almighty God hath 
ruled mankind throughout all time. 

In the gloom of the night came stalking 
that ranger of the dark. The watchmen slept, 
they who had been set to guard the horn- 
40 



[704-723] BEOWULF 

gabled hall — all slept, save one, — for it was 
well known to men that the ruthless foe could 
not drag them beneath the shades when the 
Creator willed it not. But Beowulf, wrath- 
fully watching for the foe, awaited in anger 
the issue of t-he fight. 

XI 

Grendel comes into Heorot and devours one of the men. 
Beowulf grapples the monster. 

Then from the moorland, 'neath the misty 
hillsides, came Grendel drawing near; and 
God's anger was on him. The deadly foe was 
thinking to ensnare some man in that high 
hall. On he strode beneath the clouds, until 
he could see full well the wine-hall, the gilded 
house of men, all bright with gold. This was 
not the first time that he had sought out 
Hrothgar's home, but never in all the days of 
his life, before or since, did he encounter 
among hall-thanes, warriors more sturdy. So 
the creature, of all joys bereft, came roaming 
on unto the hall. The door, though fast in 
fire-hardened bands, sprang open straightway, 
SQon as he touched it with his hands. Thus, 



BEOWULF [724-748] 

plotting evil, he burst open the entrance to 
the hall, for he was swollen with rage. 
Quickly thereafter the fiend was treading 
upon the bright-paved floor, moving on in 
wrathful mood. Out of his eyes started a 
loathsome light, most like to flame. He saw 
in the hall many warriors, a kindred band 
together, a group of clansmen all asleep. 
And he laughed in his heart. The cursed 
monster thought to take the life from each 
body, ere the day broke; for the hope of a 
plenteous feast was come to him. But it was 
not fated that he should devour any more of 
the race of men after that night. 

The mighty kinsman of Hygelac was watch- 
ing to see how the deadly foe would go about 
his swift attacks. The monster thoaght not 
of tarrying, but sudden, for his first move, he 
seized upon a sleeping thane, rent him in 
pieces unawares, bit into the flesh, drank the 
blood from the veins, and swallowed him in 
huge pieces. In a moment he had devoured 
the whole corpse, even the hands and feet. 
He stepped on nearer and seized with his 
hands the great-hearted warrior on his bed. 
The fiend clutched at him with his claw, but 
42 



[748-772] BEOWULF 

Beowulf quickly grasped it with deadly pur- 
pose, fastening upon the arm. Straightway 
that master of evils discovered that never in 
this world in all the corners of the earth, had 
he met in any man a mightier hand-grip. 
But he could get away never the faster for 
that. He was eager to be gone; he wished 
to flee away into the darkness, to rejoin the 
horde of devils. He was not faring there as 
in the former days. Then the good kinsman 
of Hygelac bethought him of his speech at 
even; he stood upright and grappled him fast; 
his fingers cracked. The giant was making 
off. The hero followed him close. The 
monster was minded to fling loose, if he 
could, and flee away thence to the fen-hol- 
lows; but he knew that the strength of his 
arm was in the grasp of an angry foe. It was 
a dire journey that the destroyer had made to 
Heorot. 

Loud rang the lordly hall. All the Danes 
dwelling in that city, nobles and heroes every 
one, were struck with terror. Furious were 
both the maddened wrestlers. The house re- 
echoed. It was a great wonder that the wine- 
hall withstood these battling foemen, that the 
43 



BEOWULF [773-794] 

fair building fell not to the ground ; save that 
all within and without it was so firmly 
strengthened by iron bands, cunningly forged. 
There, as I have heard men tell, many a mead- 
bench, gold-adorned, started from its base, 
where the fierce ones were struggling. The 
wise councilors of the Scyldings had thought 
that none among men would ever be able to 
wreck by force this goodly house, bedecked 
with bones, nor to destroy it by craft, unless 
perchance the fire's embrace should swallow 
it in smoke. 

A noise arose, oft renewed; a ghastly ter- 
ror fell on all the North-Danes who from the 
wall heard the shrieking, heard God's enemy 
yelling out his horrid song, his joyless chant, 
— hell's captive howling o'er his wound. He 
held him fast who in his strength was the 
mightiest of men in the day of this life. 

XII 

Beowulf has the victory, and tears out GrendeVs arm. 
The monster escapes to the fen with his death-wound. 

The defence of heroes would by no means 
let the murderer escape alive — he counted his 
44 



[794-821] BEOWULF 

life of no avail to any of the people. There 
many a warrior of Beowulf's drew his old 
sword; they thought to protect the life of 
their lord, the great prince, if so they might. 
They knew not, those brave warriors, when 
they plunged into the fight, thinking to hack 
the monster on every side and take his life, 
that not the choicest blade on earth nor battle- 
axe could graze that foul destroyer; for he 
had bound by a spell weapons of war and 
every edged sword. Yet he was doomed to die 
a wretched death in the day of this life; the 
outcast spirit must needs journey far away 
into the power of fiends. There he found, 
that foe to God, who many a time ere now in 
mirthful mood had wrought mischief against 
the children of men, that his wound-proof 
body availed him not, for the valiant kinsman 
of Hygelac had got him by the hand. Hate- 
ful to each was the life of the other. The 
evil beast endured sore pain of body. Upon 
his shoulder a gaping wound appeared; the 
sinews sprang asunder, the flesh was rent 
apart. The glory of the fight was given unto 
Beowulf. Grendel, sick to death, was doomed 
to flee thence and find out his joyless abode 
45 



BEOWULF [821-840] 

'neath the fen-banks. Full well he knew that 
the end of his life was come, the appointed 
number of his days. By that deadly fight the 
desire of all the Danes was satisfied. 

Thus he who came from far, wise and 
valiant in spirit, had cleansed Hrothgar's hall 
and freed it from danger. He rejoiced in the 
night's work, in his heroic deeds. The lord 
of the Geats had made good his boast to the 
East-Danes, for he had saved them out of all 
their affliction, the harrowing torment, no 
little sorrow, which they had suffered and 
were doomed to bear in sad necessity. A 
token of the fight was seen, when, 'neath the 
spacious roof, the warrior flung down the 
hand and arm and shoulder, — the whole limb 
and claw of Grendel. 

XIII 

The Danes rejoice. They go and look upon the mere 
whither Grendel escaped, and return to Heorot, racing 
their horses and listening to the tale of the hard. 

In the morning, as I have heard, many 
warriors were about the gift-hall; chieftans 
came from far and near to gaze upon the 
46 



[840-866] BEOWULF 

wonder, the tracks of the enemy. Grievous 
seemed his death to none of those who beheld 
the traces of the inglorious foe; how he, weary 
at heart, vanquished in the strife, death- 
doomed and put to flight, took his last steps 
to the Nicors' mere. There the waters were 
foaming with blood, the awful surge of the 
waves welled up, all mingled with blood and 
hot gore. Death-doomed he discolored all 
the flood, when, joyless in his fen-lair, he laid 
down his life, his heathen soul; there Hell 
seized him. 

Thence returned the thanes and many a 
youth from their glad journey, proudly riding 
from the mere upon their horses, heroes upon 
white steeds. There was proclaimed the 
greatness of Beowulf. Full oft 'twas said that 
south nor north, between the seas, o'er all the 
broad earth beneath the arch of heaven, none 
among shield-bearing warriors was of higher 
worth, none more worthy of a kingdom. 
They did not in the least say aught against 
their own kind lord, gracious Hrothgar, for 
he was a good king! 

At times the warriors made their yellow 
steeds gallop or run a race, where the ways 
47 



BEOWULF [866-891] 

seemed good to them and known for their 
excellence. 

At times one of the king's thanes, laden 
with boasts, mindful of song, who knew old 
tales without number, invented a new story, 
closely bound up with fact; the man deftly 
narrated the adventure of Beowulf, and cun- 
ningly composed other skilful lays with inter- 
woven words. 

THE LAY OF SIGEMUND 

The bard sings how Sigemund, the Volsung, slew a mighty 
dragon j and how Heremod, a Danish king, was a sore 
burden to his people, much unlike Beowulf. 

He told everything that he had heard of the mighty 
exploits of Sigemund, much that had ne'er been told: — 
the battle-toil of the Waelsing, distant journeyings, feuds 
and crimes, of which the children of men knew nothing, 
save Fitela, the nephew who was with his uncle when he 
would repeat aught touching these things; for they were 
comrades at need in every strife. They had slain with 
their swords many of the monster broods. Sigemund, 
after his death, attained no little glory, since, brave in 
battle, he had slain the dragon who kept guard over the 
treasure. Alone 'neath the gray rock, the prince ventured 
the daring deed, nor was Fitela with him. Nevertheless, 
it was granted unto him that his sword, the noble iron, 
48 



[891-922] BEOWULF 

pierced the wondrous serpent and stood fast in the wall. 
The dragon died the death. The dread warrior had won 
by his valor the enjoyment of the treasure, all at his own 
will. The son of Wasls loaded his sea-boat and bore the 
glittering treasures into the bosom of his ship. Heat 
consumed the serpent. In his daring exploits he was by 
far the most famed of adventurers among the nations, 
this defence of warriors; wherefore he throve in days 
gone by. 

Thereafter, Heremod's war-strength waned, his power 
and might. He, among the Eotens, was betrayed into 
the hands of his enemies, and sent speedily away. Over- 
whelming sorrows disabled him too long; he became 
a lifelong care to his people, to all of his nobles. 
Likewise the hero's adventure had oft been bewailed in 
former days by many a prudent man, who had trusted his 
lord for protection from harm — trusted that the prince 
would prosper, attain his father's lordship, guard the 
nation, the treasure and sheltering city, the realm of 
heroes, fatherland of the Scyldings. Beowulf, the kins- 
man of Hygelac, was more gracious to all the children of 
men and to his friends. Sorrow befell Heremod. 

At times, in races with their steeds, they 
measured the yellow roads. And the morn- 
ing-light was thrust forth and urged onwards. 
Many a stout-hearted warrior went to the 
high hall to see the great wonder. Likewise, 
the king himself, guardian of the treasure, 
famed for his virtues, walked forth in glory 
49 



BEOW UL F [922-942] 

from the bower with a great company; and 
his queen with him, amidst a bevy of maidens, 
passed up the path to the mead-hall. 

XIV 

Hrothgar and his men look upon Grendel's arm in Heorof. 
The king and Beowulf speak touching the fight. 

Hrothgar spoke: — he went to the hall, 
stood in the entrance, gazed on the high roof 
bright with gold, and on the arm of Grendel: 
"For this sight be thanks straightway given 
unto the Almighty ! Much evil, many hardships, 
have I endured at the hands of Grendel; but 
God, the King of glory, can evermore work 
wonder upon wonder. It was but now that I 
thought never to be delivered from any of my 
woes, while this best of houses stood drenched 
with blood and gore. The woe scattered all 
my wise men, who thought that they could 
nevermore defend this stronghold of the people 
from hated foes, from demons and devils. 
Now, through the might of the Lord, a man 
hath wrought a deed which all of us erewhile 
with our wisdom were unable to compass. 
50 



[942-969] BEOWULF 

Lo! the woman, whoe'er she be, that gave 
birth to this son among the tribes of men may- 
say, if she be yet alive, that our God of old 
hath been gracious unto her in child-bearing. 

**Now, O Beowulf, thou best of men, I 
will love thee like a son within my heart. 
Hold fast henceforth this our new-made kin- 
ship. Thou shalt not lack any good thing of 
earth over which I have power. Full oft for 
lesser deeds have I given rich gifts of honor 
unto a meaner warrior, a weaker in the fight. 
By thy deeds thou hast attained that thy 
glory liveth for ever and ever. May the Al- 
mighty ever reward thee as now He hath." 

Then spoke Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow: 
*' Fighting with great good-will, we wrought 
that mighty deed; boldly we met the power 
of the unknown. But I would indeed that 
thou couldst have seen the creature himself in 
full gear, the fiend wearied nigh to fainting. 
Grappling him there I thought to fix him fast 
on his death-bed so that he should lie strug- 
gling for life in the grip of my hand, unless 
his body vanished utterly away. But I could 
not stop his going, for the Lord willed it not. 
I did not stick close enough to the mortal foe, 
51 



BEOWULF [969-992] 

for the fiend was too powerful upon his feet. 
Yet, in saving his life, he left his claw behind, 
his arm and shoulder, to mark his track. But 
the wretched creature has not bought him any 
solace thus; none the longer will the evil- 
doer live, weighed down by sin. But pain has 
close embraced him in its deadly clasp, within 
its baleful bonds. There, all stained with sin, 
shall he abide the Great Doom, — how the 
glorious Judge shall assign him his portion." 
Then, in his boastful speech, that son of 
Ecglaf kept more silent touching warlike 
deeds, after all the nobles had beheld the arm 
before them, there upon the lofty roof, the 
fiendish claw, won by the hero's might. Most 
like to steel were all the nails, the hand-spurs, 
horrible spikes of the heathen foe. All declared 
that no excellent sword among warriors could 
have grazed the monster so as to take off the 
bloody talon. 

XV 

They adorn Heorotfor the feast. Hrothgar bestows gifts 
upon Beowulf. 

Straightway it was bidden that Heorot be 
adorned within by the hand of man. Many 
52 



[993-1019] BEOWULF 

there were of men and women who prepared 
that wine-hall, that guest-house. Along the 
walls shone hangings wrought with gold, many 
wondrous sights for all who gaze upon such 
things. That bright house had been greatly 
shattered, though all within was fast with iron 
bands. The hinges had been torn away. The 
roof alone was saved unhurt, when the mon- 
ster, all stained with wicked deeds, despairing 
of life, turned him to flight. 

Death is not easily escaped, try it who will ; 
but every living soul among the children of 
men dwelling upon the earth goeth of neces- 
sity unto his destined place, where the body, 
fast in its narrow bed, sleepeth after the feast. 

Now the time was come that the son of 
Healfdene should go into the hall ; the king 
himself was minded to partake of the feast. 
Never have I heard that that people in greater 
company gathered more bravely around their 
king. Then those happy men sat them down 
upon the benches; they rejoiced in the feast- 
ing. Their great-hearted kinsmen, Hrothgar 
and Hrothulf, with fair courtesy quaffed many 
a bowl of mead in the high hall. Heorot was 
filled with friends. In that day the Scylding 
53 



B EOW UL F [1019-1044] 

people had done no deeds of guile. 

Then the son of Healfdene gave unto Beo- 
wulf, in reward of victory, a golden ensign, a 
broidered banner, a helmet, and a byrnie; 
many men saw a mighty treasure-sword borne 
before the hero. Beowulf quaffed the cup in 
the hall. He needed not to be ashamed be- 
fore warriors of those sumptuous gifts. Never 
have I heard of many men at the ale-bench 
who gave to others in more friendly wise four 
treasures, gold-adorned. Around the crown 
of the helmet there was a wreath all wrought 
with wires, which protected the head, so that 
the tempered battle-sword could not greatly 
injure it, when the warrior went out against 
his foe. 

Moreover, the defence of heroes bade that 
eight horses with golden bridles be led into 
the hall under the barriers. Upon one of 
them there was a saddle, cunningly wrought, 
adorned with jewels, — that had been the 
battle-seat of the high king, when the son of 
Healfdene was minded to engage in the play 
of swords; the might of the far-famed hero 
failed never at the front, while the slain were 
falling. And then the prince of the Ingwines 
54 



[I044-I062] BEOWULF 

gave over to Beowulf the possession of these, 
both the horses and the armor; bade him en- 
joy them well. Thus, like a true man, did the 
great lord, the guardian of treasure and 
heroes, repay the storm of the fight with 
horses and treasure, so that none can dis- 
praise them, none who wills to speak the 
truth aright. 

XVI AND XVII 

Hrothgar bestows gifts upon Beowulf's men. The bard 
sings the lay of King Finn. 

And moreover, the lord of heroes, at the 
mead-bench, bestowed some treasure, some 
heirloom, upon each of those who crossed the 
ocean-path with Beowulf. And he bade that 
gold be paid for the man whom Grendel had 
wickedly slain, as he would have slain more of 
them, had not all-knowing God and the hero's 
courage turned that fate from them ; for the 
Lord ruled over all the children of men, e'en 
as now He doth; wherefore is understanding 
best in every place, and prudence of the heart. 
He who long dwelleth in this world endureth 
much of good and evil in these days of strife. 
55 



BEOWULF [1063-1084] 

There were singing and music blended to- 
gether concerning Healfdene's battle-chief- 
tain : the harp was struck, a lay recited oft, 
when Hrothgar's bard was to awaken joy in 
hall along the mead-bench. 

THE LAY OF KING FINN 

How Hncef of the Scyldings fell in an ancient feud with 
Finn, king of the Eotens, he who had carried off his 
sister^ Hildeburh; and how Hengest, brother to Hncef 
and Hildeburh, made a treaty with Finn, and dwelt 
with the Eotens for a season, until they feared him 
and slew him. And of the last great fight when 
Finn was slain; and how Queen Hildeburh was 
restored to her people. 

Hnsef of the Scyldings, the hero of the Half-Danes, 
was doomed to fall upon the Frisian slaughter-field at the 
hands of the sons of Finn, what time the peril got hold on 
them. Nor in truth did Hildeburh need to praise the 
good faith of the Eotens ; she, all blameless, was bereft 
of her dear sons and brothers in the battle ; wounded by 
the spear they fell according to their fate, — a sorrowful 
woman she. Not without cause did the daughter of Hoc 
bewail Fate's decree when morn was come, — whea she be- 
held her murdered kinsmen 'neath the sky, there where 
she had erstwhile had the greatest of earth's joys. War 
swept away all the thanes of Finn, save but a few, so that 
he could nowise give battle to Hengest upon the field, 
nor save by fighting the wretched remnant from the 
56 



[I084-II20] BEOWULF 

prince's thane. But the Frisians offered Hengest terms : 
that they would fully prepare for him another great build- 
ing, a hall and high throne, so that he might have equal 
power with the sons of the Eotens, and that Finn, son of 
Folcwalda, would daily, at the giving of the gifts, do honor 
to the Danes, would do honor to the troop of Hengest 
with rings, with e'en as much costly treasure of plated 
gold, as that wherewith he would rejoice the Frisians in 
the beer-hall. Then on both sides they made a fast- 
binding treaty of peace ; Finn swore an oath unto Hen- 
gest, absolutely and unreservedly, that he would honorably 
rule the sad remnant according to the decree of his 
councilors ; so that no man there by word or deed should 
break the compact, or ever do it violence by guileful 
craft, although they, lordless men, followed the slayer of 
their own prince, as they must do perforce ; and if any of 
the Frisians should with taunting words recall that feud, 
then the edge of the sword was to avenge it. The oath 
was sworn and massive gold was brought up from the 
hoard. 

The best of the warriors among the Battle-Scyldings 
was ready at the funeral pile ; upon the pyre were clearly 
to be seen the blood-stained sark, the swine of gold, the 
boar-helm iron-hard, and many a hero who had perished 
of his wounds, — these had fallen in the struggle. And 
Hildeburh bade them commit her own son to the flames 
at Hnsef's pyre, burn the body, laying it on the pile. 
The hapless woman wept upon his shoulder, lamented 
him in song. Uprose the warrior in the flame ; the 
greatest of funeral fires rolled upward to the clouds ; it 
roared before the mound. The heads were melted, the 

57 



BEOWULF [1121-1153] 

gashes were burst open, the blood gushed forth from the 
wounds upon the body. Flame, that greediest of spirits, 
swallowed up all of both peoples whom war had snatched 
away. 

Bereft of their friends, the warriors departed to their 
dwellings, to see Friesland, their homes, and high city. 
And Hengest dwelt with Finn all that blood-stained 
winter, wholly without strife ; but he was mindful of his 
native land, although he could not drive o'er the mere his 
ring-stemmed ship. The sea surged in the storm, fought 
with the wind. Winter locked the waves in its icy bond, 
till that a new year came unto the dwellings of earth, as 
still it doth, and the days gloriously bright which ever 
observe the season. Thus was the winter spent, and fair 
was the bosom of earth. 

Then the exile hastened away ; the guest departed 
from the courts. But Hengest was thinking more of 
vengeance than of the sea-voyage, if haply he might bring 
to pass a deadly conflict and so commemor ite the sons of 
the Eotens. Therefore he escaped not the lot of mortals 
when the son of Hunlaf thrust into his breast the flashing 
sword, best of blades ; wherefore its edges were well 
known among the Eotens. Likewise, thereafter, dire 
death by the sword befell the brave-hearted Finn in his 
own home, when Guthlaf and Oslaf , after the sea-journey, 
mournfully lamented the fierce struggle — blamed him for 
their share of sorrow. He could not retain the wavering 
spirit within his breast. 

And the hall was covered with the bodies of foemen, 
and King Finn, likewise, was slain in the midst of his 
guardsmen, and the queen was taken. The Scylding 

58 



[II54-II77] BEOWULF 

warriors bore to their ships all the possessions of the 
king of the land, — whatever they could find in Finn's 
home of jewels and curious gems. They bore the noble 
lady over the sea-path to the land of the Danes, led her to 
their people. 

The lay was sung, the gleeman's tale was 
ended. Mirth rose high again, clear sounded 
the noise of revelry. The cup-bearers poured 
out wine from wondrous vessels. And 
Wealhtheow came forth with a crown of gold 
upon her head, and went to where were seated 
uncle and nephew, those two good friends ; — 
as yet there was peace between them, each to 
the other true. There also sat Unferth, the 
spokesman, at the feet of the lord of the 
Scyldings; every man of them trusted his 
spirit, yea, and that he had good courage, al- 
though he dealt not uprightly with his kins- 
men in the play of swords. 

And the lady of the Scyldings spoke : * ' Take 
this cup, my sovereign lord, giver of treasure. 
Rejoice, thou prince of the people, and speak 
kind words unto the Geats, as is well-fitting. 
Be gracious toward the Geats and mindful of 
gifts; for now thou hast peace both far and 
near. It has been told me that thou wouldst 
gladly have this warrior for a son. Heorot, 
59 



BEOWULF [1177-1196] 

the bright ring-hall, is cleansed. Give, then, 
while thou mayst, many rewards, and be- 
queath people and realm to thy kinsmen, 
when thou must go hence unto the appointed 
doom. I know that my gracious Hrothulf 
will honorably rule the youth, if thou, lord of 
the Scyldings, leave the world ere he. I think 
that he will requite our offspring well, if he 
bethink him of our benefits toward him in 
time past, when he was a child, of all that we 
did for his pleasure and honor." 

Then she turned to where her sons were 
sitting, Hrethric and Hrothmund, and the 
offspring of heroes, all the youth together; 
and there by the two brothers sat that brave 
man, Beowulf the Geat. 

XVIII 

The queen giveth gifts to Beowulf, and a fair collar which 
King Hygelac wore in aftertime. They feast, and the 
heroes rest in Heorot. 

A CUP was borne to him, and friendly greet- 
ing offered, and twisted gold graciously pre- 
sented him: two armlets, rings, and armor, 
and the goodliest of collars I have ever heard 
60 



[1196-1220] BEOWULF 

of upon earth. Never heard I of a fairer 
among the treasured jewels of heroes 'neath 
the sky, ne'er since Hama bore away to the 
bright city the collar of the Brisings, the fair 
gem and its casket; he fled the cunning snares 
of Eormanric, and chose everlasting gain. 
This ring had Hygelac, grandson of Swerting, 
on his last raid, when 'neath his banner, he 
defended his treasure and guarded the plunder 
of battle. Wyrd took him away, when he, 
foolhardy, suffered woe in feud with the Fris- 
ians; for that mighty chieftain bore the jewel 
with its precious stones over the arching sea; 
and he fell beneath his shield. Then the 
body of the king came into the possession of 
the Franks, his breast-mail, and the jewel, 
too ; meaner warriors stripped the body after 
the slaughter of battle; the corpses of the 
Geats were strewed upon the field. 

The hall resounded. There, before* the 
host, Wealhtheow spoke and said: ''Receive 
with joy this collar, dear Beowulf, beloved 
youth, and use this armor, — treasures of our 
people, — and prosper well; show thyself 
strong; and be kind in thy counsel to these 
youths. I will be mindful of thy reward. 
61 



BEOWULF [1221-1246] 

Thou hast brought it to pass that men shall 
give thee honor evermore, in all the earth, far 
as the sea encompasseth its wind-swept walls. 
Be, while thou livest, a prosperous prince; 
much treasure truly I wish thee. Be thou 
friendly to my son, guarding his happy state. 
Here is each hero true to the other, gentle of 
spirit, and loyal to his lord ; the thanes are 
obedient, the people ready at call. Ye war- 
riors, cheered with wine, do as I bid ye." 

Then she went to her seat. There was the 
choicest of feasts; the men drank wine. 
They knew not Wyrd, cruel destiny, as it had 
gone forth of old unto many a hero. 

When even was come, and Hrothgar, the 
ruler, had departed to his lodge, unto his 
evening rest, countless heroes guarded the 
house as they had oft of yore. They made 
bare the bench and spread upon it beds and 
pillows. Doomed and nigh unto death, one 
of the revelers laid him down to rest in the 
hall. At their heads they placed their battle- 
shields, bright bucklers. There upon the 
bench above each hero were clearly to be 
seen the towering helm, the ringed coat of 
mail, the mighty spear. It was their wont to 
62 



[1246-1250] BEOWULF 

be ever ready for battle, whether at home or 
in the field, ready for either, e'en at the mo- 
ment when their chief had need of them. 
That was a good people! 



63 



[I25I-I264] 



Part II 

BEOWULF AND GRENDEVS 
MOTHER 

XIX 

Grendel's mother eometh to avenge her son. She seizes 
^schere in Heorot. 

Then they sank to sleep. But one paid 
dearly for his evening rest, as had often hap- 
pened when Grendel occupied that gold-hall 
and wrought evil till his end came, death for 
his sins. It now became evident to men that, 
though the foe was dead, there yet lived for 
a long time after the fierce combat, an aven- 
ger — Grendel's mother. The witch, woman- 
monster, brooded over her woes, she who was 
doomed to dwell among the terrors of the 
waters, in the cold streams, from the time when 
Cain slew with the sword his only brother, 
his own father's son, — then he departed, ban- 
ished, marked with murder, fleeing from the 
64 



[1264-1289] BEOWULF 

joys of men and dwelt in the wilderness. 
From him there woke to life many Fate-sent 
demons. One of these was Grendel, a fierce 
wolf, full of hatred. But he had found at 
Heorot a man on the watch, waiting to give 
him battle. Then the monster grappled with 
him, but Beowulf bethought him of his mighty 
strength, the gift of God, and in Him as the 
Almighty he trusted for favor, for help and 
succor; in this trust he overcame the fiend, 
laid low that spirit of hell. Then Gren- 
del, enemy to mankind, went forth joyless to 
behold the abode of death. But his mother, 
still wroth and ravenous, determined to go a 
sad journey to avenge the death of her son; 
and she came to Heorot, where the Ring- 
Danes lay asleep about the hall. Straightway 
terror fell upon the heroes once again when 
Grendel's mother burst in upon them. But 
the fear was less than in the time of Grendel, 
even as the strength of maids, or a woman's 
rage in war, is less than an armed man's, what 
time the hilted sword, hammer-forged, stained 
with blood, cleaves with its keen blade the 
boar on the foeman's helmet. There above 
the benches in the hall the hard-edged sword 
65 



BEOWULF [1289-1314] 

was drawn, and many a shield upreared, fast 
in the hand; none thought of helm or broad 
corslet when the terror got hold of him. She 
was in haste, for she was discovered; she 
wished to get thence with her life. Of a sud- 
den she clutched one of the heroes, and was 
off to the fen. The mighty warrior, the 
famed hero whom the hag murdered in his 
sleep, was the dearest to Hrothgar of all the 
men in his band of comrades between the seas. 
Beowulf was not there; for another lodging- 
place had been assigned to the mighty Geat 
after the giving of treasure. A cry arose in 
Heorot. All in its gore she had taken the 
well-known arm ; sorrow was renewed again 
in the dwellings. No good exchange was 
that which cost both peoples the lives of 
friends. 

Then the old king, the hoary warrior, was 
sad at heart when he learned that his chief 
thane had lost his life, that his dearest friend 
was dead. Straightway Beowulf, the hero 
blessed with victory, was brought to the 
bower; the prince, the noble warrior, went at 
daybreak with his comrades to where the pru- 
dent king was waiting to know if perchance 
66 



[I3I4-I334] BEOWULF 

the Almighty would ever work a happy change 
for him, after the tidings of woe. And the 
hero, famed in war, went o'er the floor with 
his band of thanes, — while loud the hall re- 
sounded, — to greet the wise lord of the Ing- 
wines; he asked if his night had been restful, 
as he had wished. 

XX 

Hrothgar lamenteth for ^sehere. He tells Beowulf of 
the monster and her haunt. 

Hrothgar, defence of the Scyldings, spoke : 
'*Ask not after bliss, — sorrow is renewed in 
the hall for the Danish people, ^schere is 
dead, Yrmenlaf's elder brother, my councilor 
and my adviser, who stood by me, shoulder to 
shoulder, when we warded our heads in battle, 
while hosts rushed together and helmets 
crashed. Like yEschere should every noble 
be, — an excellent hero. He was slain in Heo- 
rot by a restless destroyer. 

*' I know not whither the awful monster, ex- 
ulting over her prey, has turned her homeward 
steps, rejoicing in her fill. She has avenged 
the strife in which thou slewest Grendel yes- 
67 



BEOWULF [1334-1362! 

ternight, grappling fiercely with him, for that 
he too long had wasted and destroyed my 
people. He fell in battle, forfeiting his life, 
and now another is come, a mighty and a deadly 
foe, thinking to avenge her son. She has 
carried the feud further; wherefore it may 
well seem a heavy woe to many a thane who 
grieveth in spirit for his treasure-giver. Low 
lies the hand which did satisfy all your desires. 
*' I have heard the people dwelling in my land, 
hall-rulers, say that they had often seen two 
such mighty stalkers of the marches, spirits of 
otherwhere, haunting the moors. One of 
them, as they could know full well, was like 
unto a woman; the other miscreated being, in 
the image of man wandered in exile (save 
that he was larger than any man), whom in 
the olden time the people named Grendel. 
They know not if he ever had a father among 
the spirits of darkness. They dwell in a hid- 
den land amid wolf-haunted slopes and sav- 
age fen-paths, nigh the wind-swept cliffs 
where the mountain-stream falleth, shrouded 
in the mists of the headlands, its flood flowing 
underground. It is not far thence in measure- 
ment of miles that the mere lieth. Over it 
68 



[1363-1382] BEOWULF 

hang groves in hoary whiteness; a forest with 
fixed roots bendeth over the waters. There 
in the night-tide is a dread wonder seen, — a 
fire on the flood ! There is none of the child- 
ren of men so wise that he knoweth the 
depths thereof. Although hard pressed by 
hounds, the heath-ranging stag, with mighty 
horns, may seek out that forest, driven from 
afar, yet sooner will he yield up life and breath 
upon the bank than hide his head within its 
waters. Cheerless is the place. Thence the 
surge riseth, wan to the clouds, when the 
winds stir up foul weather, till the air thicken 
and the heavens weep. 

**Now once again help rests with thee 
alone. Thou knowest not yet the spot, the 
savage place where thou mayst find the sinful 
creature. Seek it out, if thou dare. I will 
reward thee, as I did aforetime with olden 
treasures and with twisted gold, if thou get 
thence alive.'' 



69 



BEOWULF [1383-1402] 



XXI 

T}iey track GrendeVs mother to the mere. Beowulf 
slayeth a sea-monster. 

Then spoke Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow: 
"Sorrow not, thou wise man. It is better 
for a man to avenge his friend than mourn 
exceedingly. Each of us must abide the end 
of the worldly life, wherefore let him who 
may win glory ere he die; thus shall it be best 
for a warrior when life is past. Arise, O 
guardian of the kingdom, let us straightway 
go and look upon the tracks of Grendel's 
dam. I promise thee this : she shall not 
escape to the covert, nor to the bosom of the 
earth, nor to the bottom of the sea, go where 
she will. This day do thou bear in patience 
every woe of thine, as I expect of thee." 

Then the old man sprang up and thanked 
God, the mighty Lord, for what that man had 
said. And they bridled Hrothgar's horse, a 
steed with wavy mane. The wise prince rode 
out in stately wise, and a troop of warriors 
marched forth with their shields. Footprints 
70 



[1402-1427] BEOWULF 

were clearly to be seen along the forest-path, 
her track across the lands. She had gone 
forth, right over the murky moor, and borne 
away lifeless that best of thanes, who with 
Hrothgar ruled the hall. 

And the offspring of princes went over 
steep and rocky slopes and narrow ways; 
straight lonely passes, an unknown course; 
over sheer cliffs where were many haunts of 
the sea-monsters. He, with a few prudent 
men, went on before to view the spot, until 
he suddenly came upon mountain-trees o'er- 
hanging the gray rock, — a cheerless wood. 
Beneath it lay a water, bloody and troubled. 
All the Danes, all the friends of the Scyld- 
ings, each hero and many a thane, were sad 
at heart and had to suffer sore distress ; for 
there upon the sea-cliff they found the head 
of ^schere. The waters were seething with 
blood and hot gore; — the people looked 
upon it. 

At times the horn sang out an eager battle- 
lay. All the troop sat down. They saw in 
the water many of the serpent kind, strange 
dragons swimming the deep. Likewise they 
saw sea-monsters lying along the headland- 
71 



BEOWULF [1427-1450] 

slopes, serpents and wild beasts, who oft at 
morning-tide make a journey, fraught with 
sorrow, over the sail-road. They sped away, 
bitter and swollen with wrath, when they 
heard the sound, the song of the battle-horn. 
But the lord of the Geats with bow and arrow 
took the life of one of them, as it buffeted 
the waves, so that the hard shaft pierced the 
vitals; he was then the slower in his swim- 
ming on the sea, for death seized him. 
Straightway he was hard pressed with the 
sharp-barbs of the boar-spears, fiercely at- 
tacked, and drawn up on the cliff, a wondrous 
wave-tosser. The men looked on the strange 
and grisly beast. 

Then Beowulf girded him with noble armor; 
he took no thought for his life. His byrnie, 
hand-woven, broad, and of many colors, was 
to search out the deeps. This armor could 
well protect his body so that the grip of the 
foe could not harm his breast, nor the clutch 
of the angry beast do aught against his life. 
Moreover, the white helmet guarded his head, 
e'en that which was to plunge into the depths 
of the mere, passing through the tumult of 
the waters; it was all decked with gold, en- 
72 



[I45I-I472] BEOWULF 

circled with noble chains, as the weapon-smith 
wrought it in the days of yore; wondrously he 
made it, and set it about with boar-figures so 
that no brand nor battle-sword could bite it. 

Nor was that the least of his mighty aids 
which Hrothgar's spokesman lent him in his 
need; — the name of the hiked sword was 
Hrunting, and it was one of the greatest 
among the olden treasures ; its blade was of 
iron, stained with poison-twigs, hardened with 
the blood of battle; it had never failed any 
man whose hand had wielded it in the fight, 
any who durst go on perilous adventures to 
the field of battle; — it was not the first time 
that it had need to do high deeds. Surely 
when the son of Ecglaf, strong in his might, 
lent that weapon to a better swordsman, he 
did not remember what he had said when 
drunk with wine; for, himself he durst not 
risk his life beneath the warring waves and 
do a hero's deeds; there he lost the glory, 
the fame of valor. It was not so with the 
other when he had armed him for the fight. 



73 



BEOWULF [1473-1492] 



XXII 

Beowulf bids farewell to Hrothgar and ^plunges into 
the mere. The monster seizes upon him. They 
fight. 

Then spoke Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow: 
** Remember, thou great son of Healfdene, 
wise chieftain, gracious friend of men, now 
that I am ready for this exploit, what we two 
spoke of aforetime ; that, if I must needs lose my 
life for thee, thou wouldst ever be as a father 
to me when I was gone hence. Guard thou 
my thanes, my own comrades, if the fight take 
me, and do thou also send unto Hygelac the 
treasures that thou gavest me, beloved Hroth- 
gar. Then, when the son of Hrethel, lord of 
the Geats, shall look upon that treasure, he 
may behold and see by the gold that I found a 
bountiful benefactor, and enjoyed these gifts 
while I might. And do thou let Unferth, that 
far-famed man, have the old heirloom, the 
wondrous wavy sword of tempered blade. I 
will win glory with Hrunting, or death shall 
take me." 

After these words the lord of the Weder- 
74 



[I492-I5I7] BEOWULF 

Geats boldly made haste; he would await no 
answer, but the surging waters swallowed up 
the warrior. It was the space of a day ere he 
got sight of the bottom. 

Soon the blood-thirsty creature, she who 
had lived for a hundred seasons, grim and 
greedy, in the waters' flow, found that one 
was there from above seeking out the abode 
of monsters. She seized upon the warrior 
and clutched him with her horrid claws; 
nevertheless she did no harm to his sound 
body, for the ringed armor girt him round 
about, so that she could not pierce the byrnie, 
the linked coat of mail, with her hateful 
fingers. Then the mere-wolf, when she came 
to the bottom, bore the ring-prince to' her 
dwelling, so that he could nowise wield his 
weapons, brave though he was; for many 
monsters came at him, many a sea-beast with 
awful tusks broke his battle-sark, — the evil 
creatures pressed him hard. 

Then the hero saw that he was in some 
dreadful hall, where the water could not harm 
him a whit; the swift clutch of the current 
could not touch him, because of the roofed 
hall. He saw a fire-light, a gleaming flame 
75 



BEOWULF [1517-1540] 

brightly shining. Then the hero got sight of 
the mighty mere-woman — the she-wolf of the 
deep. He made at her fiercely with his war- 
sword. His hand did not refuse the blow, so 
that the ringed blade sang out a greedy war- 
song on her head. But the stranger found 
that the gleaming sword would make no 
wound, would do no harm to her life; so the 
blade failed the prince in his need. It had 
aforetime endured many a hard fight, had 
often cleft the helmet and the byrnie of the 
doomed; this was the first time that the pre- 
cious treasure ever failed of its glory. Yet 
the kinsman of Hygelac, heedful of great 
deeds, was steadfast of purpose, not faltering 
in courage. Then the angry warrior threw 
from him the carved sword, strong and steel- 
edged, studded with jewels, and it lay upon 
the ground. He trusted to his strength, to 
the mighty grip of his hand. So must a brave 
man do when he thinketh to win lasting 
praise ; — he taketh no thought for his life. 

Then the lord of the War-Geats, shrinking 

not from the fight, seized Grendel's mother 

by the shoulder, and full of wrath, the valiant 

in battle threw his deadly foe so that she fell 

76 



[1540-1558] BEOWULF 

to the floor. Speedily she paid him his reward 
again with fierce grapplings and clutched at 
him, and being exhausted, he stumbled and 
fell, he, — the champion, strongest of war- 
riors. Then she leaped and sat upon him, 
and drew her dagger, broad and brown-edged, 
to avenge her son, her only offspring. But 
on his shoulder lay his woven coat of mail ; it 
saved his life, barring the entrance against 
point and blade. Thus the son of Ecgtheow, 
the chief of the Geats, would have perished 
'neath the sea-bottom, had not his battle- 
byrnie, his hard war-corslet, been of aid to 
him, and Holy God, the wise Lord, brought 
victory to pass, the King of heaven easily 
adjudging it aright. Thereafter he stood up 
again. 

XXIII 

Beowulf lays hold upon a giant sword and slays the 
evil least. He finds Grendel's dead body and cuts 
off the head, and swims up to his thanes upon the 
shore. They go hack to Heorot. 

Then he saw among the armor a victorious 
blade, an old sword of the giant-age, keen- 
77 



BEOWULF [1558-1584] 

edged, the glory of warriors ; it was the choic- 
est of weapons, — save that it was larger than 
any other man was able to carry into battle, — • 
good, and splendidly wrought, for it was the 
work of the giants. And the warrior of the 
Scyldings seized the belted hilt; savage and 
angry, he drew forth the ring-sword, and, 
hopeless of life, smote so fiercely that the 
hard sword caught her by the neck, breaking 
the ring-bones ; the blade drove right through 
her doomed body, and she sank upon the 
floor. The sword was bloody; the hero ex- 
ulted in his deed. 

The flame burst forth; light filled the place, 
even as when the candle of heaven is shining 
brightly from the sky. He gazed about the 
place and turned him to the wall ; the thane 
of Hygelac, angry and resolute, lifted the 
great weapon by the hilt. The blade was not 
worthless to the warrior, for he wished to 
repay Grendel straightway for the many at- 
tacks which he had made upon the West- 
Danes, — oftener far than once, — what time he 
slew Hrothgar's hearth-companions in their 
slumber and devoured fifteen of the sleeping 
Danes and carried off as many more, a horrid 
78 



[1584-1609] BEOWULF 

prey. The fierce warrior had given him his re- 
ward, insomuch that he now saw Grendel lying 
lifeless in his resting-place, spent with his 
fight, so deadly had the combat been for him 
in Heorot. The body bounded far when it 
suffered a blow after death, a mighty sword- 
stroke. Thus he smote off the head. 

Soon the prudent men who were watching 
the mere with Hrothgar saw that the surging 
waves were all troubled, and the water ming- 
led with blood. The old men, white-haired, 
talked together of the hero, how they thought 
that the prince would never come again to 
their great lord, exultant in victory ; for many 
believed that the sea-wolf had rent him in 
pieces. 

Then came the ninth hour of the day. The 
bold Scyldings left the cliff, the bounteous 
friend of men departed to his home. But the 
strangers sat there, sick at heart, and gazed 
upon the mere; they longed but did not ever 
think to see their own dear lord again. 

Meanwhile the sword, that war-blade, being 

drenched with blood, began to waste away in 

icicles of steel; it melted wondrously away, 

like ice when the Father looseneth the frost, 

79 



BEOWULF [1610-1631] 

unwindeth the ropes that bind the waves; 
He who ruleth the times and seasons, He 
is a God of righteousness. The lord of the 
Weder-Geats took no treasure from that hall, 
although he saw much there, none save the 
head, and the hilt bright with gold; the 
blade had melted, the graven sword had 
burned away, so hot had been the blood, so 
venomous the strange spirit that had perished 
there. 

Soon he was swimming off, he who had sur- 
vived the onset of his foes ; he dived up 
through the water. The surging waves were 
cleansed, the wide expanse where that strange 
spirit had laid down her life and the fleeting 
days of this world. 

And the defence of seamen came to land, 
stoutly swimming; he rejoiced in his sea-spoil, 
the great burden that he bore with him. And 
his valiant band of thanes went unto him, 
giving thanks to God; they rejoiced in their 
chief, for that they could see him safe and 
sound. Then they quickly loosed helm and 
byrnie from the valiant man. The m-ere grew 
calm, but the water 'neath the clouds was 
discolored with the gore of battle. 
30 



[1632-1653] BEOWULF 

They set forth along the foot-path glad at 
heart; the men, kingly bold, measured the 
earth-ways, the well-known roads. They bore 
away the head from the sea-cliff, — a hard 
task for all those men, great-hearted as they 
were; four of them must needs bear with toil 
that head of Grendel upon a spear to the 
gold-hall. And forthwith the fourteen Geats, 
bold and warlike, came to the hall, and their 
brave lord in their midst trod the meadows. 
And the chief of the thanes, the valiant man 
crowned with glory, the warrior brave in bat- 
tle, went in to greet Hrothgar. And Gren- 
del's head was borne by the hair into the hall 
where the men were drinking, — an awful sight 
for the heroes and the lady too. The people 
gazed upon that wondrous spectacle. 

XXIV AND XXV 

Beowulf tells of his fight, and Hrothgar discourses. 
They feast in Heorot. In the morning the Geats 
make ready to depart. 

Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, spoke : * ' Behold, 
O son of Healfdene, lord of the Scyldings, 
we have joyfully brought thee this sea-spoil 

81 



BEOWULF [1654-1679] 

which here thou lookest on, a token of glory. 
Hardly did I 'scape with my life; painfully 
fighting under the waters, I ventured on the 
work. The struggle would have well-nigh 
failed me, had not God shielded me. Nor 
could I do aught with Hrunting in the fight, 
though that be a good weapon ; but the Ruler 
of the people — full often hath He guided 
friendless men ! — granted that I saw an old and 
mighty sword hanging all beauteous on the wall ; 
so I drew that weapon forth. And I slew in 
fight the keepers of that house, for occasion 
favored me. But the war-sword, the graven 
blade, burned away when the blood gushed 
forth, hottest of battle-gore. The hilt I bore 
away from the enemy, avenging, as was meet, 
their crimes, the slaughter of the Danes. I 
promise thee that thou, with a troop of thy 
men, mayest sleep in Heorot free from care, 
thou and all the thanes of thy people, young 
old ; thou needst not fear death for them from 
that quarter, as formerly thou didst, O lord 
of the Scyldings." 

Then the golden hilt, the ancient work 
of giants, was given into the hands of the 
aged warrior, the hoary leader in battle. 
82 



[1679-1703] BEOWULF 

After the fall of the devils this work of cun- 
ning smiths came into the possession of the 
lord of the Danes; when the fierce-hearted 
enemy of God, guilty of murder, quitted this 
world, he and his mother too, it passed into 
the keeping of the best of the world-kings 
between the seas, the best of those who gave 
out gifts of money in the Danish land. 

Hrothgar spoke ; he looked upon the hilt, 
the old heirloom on which was graven the 
beginning of the ancient strife, what time the 
flood, the rushing ocean, destroyed the giant 
race ; they had behaved themselves defiantly. 
That people was estranged from the eternal 
Lord; wherefore the Ruler gave them their 
final reward in the surge of the waters. And 
on the guard of shining gold was rightly 
graven, set forth and told in runic letters, for 
whom the sword had first been made, that best 
of blades, with its twisted hilt brightly adorned 
with snakes. 

Then the wise son of Healfdene spoke — 
silent were they all: *'Lo! the aged ruler who 
remembereth far-off days, he who doeth 
righteousness and truth among the people, 
may say that this hero was born of the nobler 
83 



BEOWULF [1703-1725] 

stock. The fame of thee, my friend Beowulf, 
is spread abroad among every people far and 
wide. Thou dost hold it all with patience, 
yea, all thy might with prudence of mind. I 
will make good my compact with thee, e'en 
as we did agree aforetime. Thou shalt be a 
lasting comfort to thy people, a help to war- 
riors. 

*'Not so was Heremod to the children of 
Ecgwela, the Honor-Scyldings. He throve not 
for their welfare, but became the destruction 
and the deadly plague of the Danish people; 
for in his rage he slew his table-companions, 
the friends of his bosom, until he, the great 
prince, went forth alone, far from the joys of 
men. Although mighty God advanced him 
and set him above all men in strength and in 
the joys of power, yet there grew up a blood- 
thirsty spirit within his heart ; he gave no 
treasure to the Danes, as was meet, so that 
he lived joyless, suffering punishment for his 
hostility in the lasting wretchedness of his 
people. Learn thou from this ; lay hold upon 
manly virtue. With the wisdom of many win- 
ters I have told this tale for thee. 

"Wonderful it is to tell how mighty God, in 
84 



[1725-1751] BEOWULF 

His great spirit, giveth wisdom unto mankind 
and land and noble rank. He ruleth over alL 
But at times He letteth the thoughts of a 
man's heart stray towards the satisfaction of 
his own desires; He giveth him worldly joys 
in his fatherland, a fenced city of men to 
hold; He maketh whole regions of the earth 
subject unto him, a wide domain, so that in 
his blindness he considereth not his end. He 
dwelleth in plenty; no whit doth sickness or 
age beset him ; sorrow darkeneth not his 
spirit; nowhere doth strife appear, nor deadly 
hate; but all the world moveth to his will. 

''He knoweth no worse state, until at 
length much pride grows and flourishes within 
him, while the watchman is sleeping, the 
keeper of the soul. Too deep is that slumber, 
encompassed with sorrows; the Adversary is 
at hand, who shooteth from his bow in evil- 
wise; and the helmeted man is smitten in the 
breast with a bitter arrow, being unable to 
ward off the crooked counsels of the Accursed 
Spirit. Too little seemeth that which he hath 
long possessed. He is covetous in his fro- 
ward heart; he doth not gloryingly bestow 
the plated rings, and he forgetteth and des- 
85 



BEOWULF [1751-1773I 

piseth the future, by reason of the bounteous 
honors which God, the King of glory, hath 
accorded him. 

**But in the end it is brought to pass that 
the failing body wasteth away ; and falleth 
doomed. Another succeedeth, one who giveth 
out the treasure, nothing loath, the prince's 
store of riches laid up of old ; — naught to fear 
hath he. 

*'Keep thee from deadly envy, then, be- 
loved Beowulf, best of men, and choose thou 
the better course, everlasting gain. Incline 
thee not to pride, O mighty warrior. Now 
the fulness of thy strength lasteth for a 
season, but soon sickness or sword shall cut 
thee off from thy strength, or the embrace of 
fire, or the surge of the flood, or the stab of 
the sword, or the flight of the spear, or 
wretched age; or else the light of thine eyes 
shall fail and grow dim, and forthwith death 
shall overcome thee, O noble hero. 

"Thus I ruled over the Ring-Danes fifty 
years beneath the sky, and defended them in 
battle with spear and sword from many a 
tribe throughout the world ; insomuch that 1 
thought I had no foe beneath the breadth of 
86 



[I773-I798] BEOWULF 

heaven. Lo ! all this was changed for me 
within my land, joy changed to sorrow, when 
Grendel, my foe of old, invaded my home. 
Ever in my heart I suffered great sorrow be- 
cause of this persecution. Wherefore thanks 
be to God, our everlasting Lord, that I have 
lived to see with mine eyes this gory head, 
now the old strife is o'er. 

'' Go now to thy seat, honored warrior, 
partake in the joy of the feasting. Thou 
and I will share full many treasures when 
morning is come." 

The Geat was glad at heart, and went 
straightway to his seat, as the wise king bade 
him. Then once again a fair feast was made 
ready as before for those brave men in the 
hall. 

The helm of night loured, dark o'er the 
warriors. All the company arose; the aged 
man, the gray-haired Scylding, was minded to 
go to his bed. And the Geat, the brave 
shield-warrior, had an exceeding great desire 
of rest. Forthwith the hall-thane, he who 
duly supplied all the warrior's needs, such as 
seafarers must have in that day, guided forth 
that traveler from afar, wearied with his ad- 
87 



BEOWULF [1799-1816] 

venture. And the great-hearted hero rested 
him : — the hall towered aloft, vast and gold- 
adorned. 

The guest slept within, until the black 
raven, blithe at heart, announced the joy of 
heaven, and the bright sun came gliding 
over the earth. The warriors hastened, the 
heroes longed to be returning to their people; 
the great-hearted guest wished to take ship 
and go far thence. 

And the hero bade the son of Ecglaf bear 
away Hrunting, bade him take the sword, be- 
loved weapon; he thanked him for lending it, 
said that he counted it a good war-friend, a 
mighty in^battle; he uttered no word in blame 
of that edged sword : — he was a great-hearted 
man ! 

And when the warriors, eager for the 
voyage, were ready armed, the chief, dear in 
the sight of the Danes, went to the throne 
where the other was; the hero, bold in battle, 
gave greeting to Hrothgar. 



L1817-1837] BEOWULF 



XXVI 

Beowulf bids farewell to Hrothgar and the aged king 
weeps at his departure. He giveth him many treas- 
ures. The Geats go down to the sea. 

Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, spoke: '*Now 
we seafarers, travelers from afar, would say- 
that we purpose to return unto Hygelac. We 
have been well entertained here to our heart's 
desire : thou hast been good to us. If then 
O lord of men, I can win upon earth more of 
thy heart's love than I have yet done, I shall 
be ready at once for warlike deeds. If I learn 
beyond the course of the waters that thy neigh- 
bors beset thee sore, as did thine enemies in 
days gone by, I will bring a thousand thanes 
and warriors to help thee. I know that Hyge- 
lac, lord of the Geats, shepherd of the people, 
young though he be, will further me by word 
and deed that I may do honor to thee and 
bring to thine aid the shafted spear and the 
succor of my strength, when thou hast need 
of men. Moreover, if Hrethric, the king's 
son, take service at the Geatish court, he 



BEOWULF [1837-1863] 

will find there many friends ; far countries are 
best sought out by him who is strong within 
himself." 

Hrothgar spoke and answered him again: 
'* The all-knowing Lord hath sent these words 
into thy mind; I never heard one so young in 
life speak more wisely. Thou art strong in 
thy might, and prudent of mind, wise in thy 
discourse. I count it likely that, if ever the 
spear or fierce warfare or sickness or weapon 
take away thy lord, the heir of Hrethel, shep- 
herd of the people, and if thou be yet alive, 
the Sea-Geats will have none better to choose 
as king, as guardian of treasure and heroes, 
if haply thou be willing to govern the king- 
dom of thy folk. Thy great heart pleaseth 
me more and more, dear Beowulf. Thou 
hast brought it to pass that there shall be 
peace between our people, the Geat folk and 
the Spear-Danes; and strife shall cease, the 
evil feuds which they have endured in time 
past. We shall have treasure in common 
while I rule over this wide realm ; many friends 
shall greet one another with good things across 
the gannet's bath ; the ringed ship shall bring 
gifts and love-tokens over the sea. I know 
90 



[I863-I887] BEOWULF 

that the peoples are firmly united toward 
friend and toward foe, blameless in every 
way, after the olden customs. " 

And moreover the son of Healfdene, shelter 
of warriors, gave unto him twelve treasures 
within the hall ; he bade him go in safety with 
these gifts unto his own dear people, and 
quickly come again. And the king of noble 
lineage, lord of the Scyldings, kissed that best 
of thanes and clasped him round the neck; 
tears fell from the gray-haired man. The 
wise and aged king expected two things, but 
rather the second, that they would never meet 
again, brave in the council. The hero was so 
dear to him that he could not contain his well- 
ing grief, for in his breast secret longing after 
the dear man, fast bound within his heart, 
burned through his blood. 

Then Beowulf, the warrior proud of his 
gold, exulting in his treasure^ went thence 
treading the grassy plain. The ship awaited 
her lord, riding at anchor. And, as they 
went, Hrothgar's gift was praised full oft; — 
he was a king, blameless in every wise, until 
old age, which has often wasted many a man, 
took from him the joys of strength. 
91 



BEOWULF [1888-1904] 



XXVII 

Beowulf presents to the coast-warden a golden sword. 
The Geats return unto their land. They hear the 
treasures to the hall where dwells King Hygelae with 
his queen, Hygd. The tale of Thrytho told. 

Then the band of brave retainers came to 
the sea; they wore ringed armor, woven shirts 
of mail. The land-warden beheld the heroes 
when they came again, e'en as he had done 
before. But not with insult did he greet the 
guests from the peak of the cliff, but rode 
towards them, as they came unto their ship, 
saying that the Weder people, the bright- 
coated warriors, were welcome. 

Then the spacious bark, the ring-stemmed 
ship, upon the beach was laden with the armor, 
with the horses and the treasures; the mast 
towered high over the wealth from Hrothgar's 
hoard. Beowulf gave to the boat-warden a 
sword all bound with gold, so that he was the 
more honored thereafter at the mead-bench 
because of that treasure and heirloom. 

And he departed in his ship, driving the 
92 



[1904-1928] BEOWULF 

deep waters asunder; he left the Danish land. 
Then a sail, one of the sea-cloths, was fastened 
to the mast. The sea-craft groaned. The 
wind blowing over the waters did not drive 
the bark from her course ; the ship sailed on ; 
she floated forth, foamy-necked, with wreathed 
prow, over the waters of the sea, until the 
men could descry the Geatish cliffs, the well 
known headlands. The keel, driven by the 
wind, bounded up, and stood ashore. Straight- 
way the harbor-guard was ready at the water's 
edge, he who upon the beach had long been 
looking out afar, eager for the dear men. He 
bound the broad-bosomed ship with anchor- 
ropes fast to the shore, lest the force of the 
waves should drive the fair boat away. 

And Beowulf bade them bear up ashore the 
princely treasure, the jewels and the beaten 
gold. It was not far thence for them to go 
unto the giver of treasure, Hygelac, son of 
Hrethel; there at home he dwells with his 
companions, nigh the sea-wall. 

Fair was the house; its lord a brave king, 

great in the hall. Hygd, daughter of Haereth, 

was very young, was wise and well nurtured, 

although she had lived but few winters within 

93 



BEOWULF [1928-1958] 

the castle walls; yet she was not mean- 
spirited, and nowise sparing in gifts of 
precious treasures to the Geats. 

THE TALE OF THRYTHO 

Much unlike Hygd was a queen named Thryiho, proud 
and wrathful, until Offa subdued her. 

Thrytho, the fierce queen of the people, showed forth 
anger, awful hatred ; no brave man among the dear com- 
rades durst venture by day to look upon her with his 
eyes, none save her lord ; else he might count on deadly 
bonds, hand-woven, being destined for him. Straight- 
way after his seizure the sword was appointed for use, so 
that the carved weapon might decide it, and tell forth the 
baleful murder. Such is not a queenly custom for a 
woman to practice, peerless though she be, — that a weaver 
of peace should attempt the life of a dear retainer because 
of pretended insult. 

But the kinsman of Hemming checked this. The ale- 
drinkers told another story, how that she wrought less 
evil to the people, fewer deeds of hate after she was given, 
all gold-adorned, to the young warrior of noble lineage, 
when she at her father's bidding, journeyed over the dark 
waters unto Offa's hall. There, while she lived, she en- 
joyed her destiny upon the throne, famed for her good- 
ness. She held high love toward the prince of heroes 
who, as I have heard, was the best of all mankind be- 
tween the seas, best of all the race of men upon the earth. 
Therefore Offa, bold with the spear, was honored far and 

94 



[I958-I978] BEOWULF 

wide for his gifts and his warfare. Wisely he ruled his 

native land. From him sprang Eomaer, kinsman of 

Hemming, grandson of Garmund, skilful in warfare, for 
the help of heroes. 

XXVIII 

Beowulf is received by Hygelac, and telleth of his meeting 
with Grendel. Of Freawaru. 

Then the brave chief went forth over the 
sands with his companions, treading the sea- 
beach, the wide-stretching shores. The candle 
of the world was shining, the sun in its course 
beaming from the south. They pursued their 
journey, boldly went their ways to where, as 
they had heard, the young and gracious war- 
king, shelter of heroes, slayer of Ongentheow, 
was giving out rings within his city. Speedily 
Beowulf's coming was announced to Hygelac, 
how that the shelter of warriors, his shield- 
comrade, was come back alive to the hall, 
come back to the court, safe from combat. 
Straightway the hall within was made ready 
for the travelers, e'en as the ruler bade. 

Then he who had escaped from the strife 
sat by the king himself, kinsman by kinsman, 
95 



BEOWULF [1978-2003] 

after his lord with courtly speech had greeted 
the loyal hero with mighty words. And 
Hsereth's daughter passed around the hall, 
pouririfg out the mead; for she loved the 
people ; she bore the mead-cups to the hands 
of the heroes. 

Then Hygelac began to question his com- 
panions full fairly in the lofty hall, for he 
was urged with desire to know touching the 
adventures of the Sea-Geats: "How fared ye 
in your journeying, dear Beowulf, when thou 
on a sudden didst resolve to seek combat far 
away over the salt waters, battle in Heorot ? 
Didst thou in aught lessen the well-known woe 
of Hrothgar, the mighty lord ? I have nour- 
ished brooding care and sorrow in my heart, 
for I put no trust in the journey of my be- 
loved thane. Long did I entreat thee not to 
attack the deadly beast, but to let the South- 
Danes themselves put an end to their strife 
with Grendel. I give thanks unto God that I 
am suffered to see thee safe." 

Beowulf, son of Ecgtheow, spoke: ''Well 

known unto many a man, my lord Hygelac, is 

the famous meeting 'twixt Grendel and me, 

and our fighting there on the field where he 

96 



[2003-2024] BEOWULF 

had wrought much sorrow for the Victor- 
Scyldings and misery evermore. All that I 
avenged, so that none of Grendel's kin on 
earth need boast of that fray at twilight, not 
e'en he of the loathed race who shall live the 
longest in the midst of the moorland. 

**When I came into that country, I went 
first into the ring-hall to greet Hrothgar. 
Straightway the great kinsman of Healfdene, 
when he knew my mind, gave me a seat with 
his own son. It was a joyous host; I have 
never seen greater joy at the mead among 
any hall-guests 'neath the vault of heaven. 
At times the great queen, the peace and bond 
of peoples, passed all around the hall, and 
cheered the hearts of the young retainers; 
oft-times she gave a ring-jewel to some war- 
rior ere she went to her seat. At times 
Hrothgar's daughter bore the ale-cup before 
the nobles, unto the warriors in order. I 
heard those in the hall call her Freawaru as 
she gave the studded treasure to the heroes." 



97 



BEOWULF [2024-2046] 



FREAWARU 

How Freawaru, daughter to Hrothgar^ is betrothed to 
Ingeld of the ffeathobards, they who were Hrothgar's 
ancient enemies. And how Ingeld will be provoked to 
the murder of a thane who attends on Freawaru; and 
how Ingeld' s love for that lady will wane. 

' ' Young and gold-adorned, she is promised to the 
glad son of Froda ; this has seemed good to the lord of 
the Scyldings, defender of the kingdom, and he counts 
this a gain, — by this marriage to allay many deadly feuds 
and strifes. Yet, oft and not rarely, in any place after a 
prince has fallen, it is but a little time that the deadly 
spear lies at rest, fair though the bride may be. 

' ' Wherefore it may well displease the lord of the 
Heathobards and all the thanes of that people when he 
goes into the hall with his lady, that his warriors should 
attend on a noble scion of the Danes, for on him gleam 
the heirlooms of their fathers, hard and ring-adorned, 
once the Heathobards' treasure, while they could still 
wield their weapons, until in an evil day they led astray 
into battle their dear companions and their own lives. 

' ' Then speaks one over the beer, an old warrior who 
sees the jewel and who remembers all the slaughter of the 
men ; and his soul is wrathful ; and, sad at heart, he be- 
gins to try the spirit of the young warrior by the thoughts 
of his breast, begins to waken war-fury, and speaks this 
98 



[2046-2076] BEOWULF 

word : ' Canst thou recognize the sword, my friend, the 
precious blade that thy father bore into battle, when he 
wore his helmet for the last time, in the hour when the 
Danes, the bold Scyldings, slew him, and held the battle- 
field, because Withergild was laid low after the fall of 
heroes? Now some stripling, some offspring of those 
murderers, walks our hall exulting in the spoil, boasts of 
that slaughter, and wears the treasure which thou shouldst 
rightly have.' 

' ' Thus he ever urges and provokes him with galling 
words, until the time comes that the thane of the lady, 
because of his father's deeds, sleeps all blood-stained 
after the sword-stroke, forfeiting his life ; but the other 
escapes thence alive, for he knows the land right well. 
Then the warriors' oaths on both sides are broken, when 
deadly hate wells up in Ingeld's heart, and the love of the 
woman grows cooler within him, because of overwhelming 
troubles. 

" Therefore I count not sincere the faith of the Heatho- 
bards nor their part in the peace with the Danes, nor do 
I count their friendship true." 

*'I must say on and tell again of Grendel, 
that thou mayst fully know, O king, to what 
issue the grappling came. After the jewel of 
heaven had glided over the earth, the furious 
monster, the terrible night-enemy, came to 
find us out, where we all unharmed were 
watching o'er the hall. There slaughter and 
an awful death were hanging over Hondscio, 

L.qFC. 99 



BEOWULF [2077-2100] 

for he was a doomed man ; that girded war- 
rior was the first to fall, for Grendel bit him 
and slew him, our great kinsman-thane; he 
devoured the whole body of the man we loved. 
Yet none the sooner for that would the bloody- 
toothed murderer, bent on destruction, get 
him from the gold-hall with empty hands. 
But he made trial of me and seized upon me 
with his ready claw. His game-bag, won- 
drous and large, was hanging, fast in cunning 
bonds, it was all curiously wrought with dra- 
gon-skins and strange devices of fiends. The 
fierce monster thought to put me therein, me, 
all sinless, and many another ; but he could 
not so, when I in wrath arose and stood up- 
right. It is too long to recount how I paid 
that enemy a reward for his every crime. 
Thus, O my lord, did I bring glory to thy 
people by my deeds. He escaped and fled 
away — a little while he enjoyed the delights 
of life; but his right arm remained behind in 
Heorot, marking his track, and he, humbled, 
in woeful mood, fell thence to the bottom of 
the mere. 

"When morning was come and we had sat 
down to the feast, the lord of the Scyldings 



[2IOI-2I28] BEOWULF 

richly rewarded me for that great fight, with 
beaten gold and many treasures. There was 
song and glee. The aged Scylding, when he 
had asked of many things, told of the days of 
yore. At times a brave warrior touched the 
joyous harp, the instrument of mirth; at 
times he told a tale, truthful and sad; at 
times the great-hearted king would relate 
aright some strange legend; at times the 
hoary warrior, stricken with age, would lament 
his youth and battle-strength; his heart 
swelled within him as, old in winters, he 
thought on all the number of his days. 

*' So all day long we took our pleasure there, 
until another night came unto men. And 
straightway thereafter, Grendel's mother was 
ready for vengeance; sorrowful she journeyed 
for death and the war-wrath of the Geats 
had taken off her son. The woman-monster 
avenged her child. Furiously she slew a 
warrior. Life was departed from ^schere, 
the aged counsellor. Nor could the Danes, 
when morning was,come, burn the corpse with 
fire, nor lay the beloved man upon the funeral 
pile, for in her fiendish clutch she had borne 
away the body 'neath the mountain stream. 



BEOWULF [2129-2148] 

That was the bitterest of all the griefs that 
had long befallen Hrothgar, prince of the 
people. Then the king, heavy-hearted, be- 
sought me by thy life to do a hero's deed, to 
venture my life and win glory in the rush of 
waters; he promised me reward. 

"Then, as is well known, I found the grim 
and awful guardian of the deep. And there 
we fought for a time, hand to hand; the mere 
was welling with gore. With a mighty sword 
I smote off the head of Grendel's mother in 
that sea-hall. Hardly did I get thence with 
my life, but not yet was I doomed to die. 
Thereafter the son of Healfdene, defence of 
warriors, gave me many treasures. 



XXXI 

Beowulf makes an end of his story, and giveth Hygelac 
all the gifts which he had of Hrothgar. Hygelac 
rewardeth him again. 

'* So the king of that people lived in seemly 
wise. Nowise did I lose my reward, the meed 
of valor, for the son of Healfdene gave me 
treasures to enjoy at mine own will, which I 



[2148-2173] BEOWULF 

will bring and gladly offer thee, O hero-king. 
Every favor comes from thee, and I have few 
blood-kinsmen saving thee, O Hygelac." 

And he bade them bring in the boar head- 
crest, the helm towering in battle, the gray 
byrnie, and the splendid war-sword, and there- 
upon he uttered these words: " Hrothgar, 
the wise prince, gave unto me this battle- 
armor, bidding me with express words to give 
thee first his kindly greeting; and he said 
that King Heorogar, lord of the Scyldings, 
long possessed it, nevertheless he would not 
give the breast-mail to his own son, the bold 
Heoroward, gracious though he was towards 
him. Do thou enjoy it well." 

I have learned that four dappled horses, all 
alike, followed upon the gift of the armor; 
graciously he presented unto him the horses 
and the treasures. So should a kinsman do, 
and nowise weave a guileful snare for his 
fellow, and plot the death of his comrade with 
secret craft. Full loyal was that nephew to 
Hygelac, the battle-strong; each took thought 
for the other's joy. 

I have heard that he gave unto Hygd the 
necklace, the wondrous jewel curiously 
103 



BEOWULF [2173-2195] 

wrought, which Wealhtheow, the king's 
daughter, had given him, and three horses 
therewith, slender and brightly saddled. 
Thereafter was her breast adorned, even from 
the time when she received the circlet. 

Thus the son of Ecgtheow behaved himself 
in glorious wise, he who was famed for his 
warfare and for his gracious deeds; full hon- 
orably he lived, nor did he slay his hearth- 
companions when they were drunken; his 
heart was not cruel, but the brave warrior 
with the greatest care of all mankind held fast 
the bounteous gift which God had given him. 

Long had he been despised, so that the 
sons of the Geats had esteemed him not, nor 
would the leader of the war-hosts do him 
much honor at the mead-bench; often they 
had deemed him slothful, an unwarlike prince. 
That glorious man was rewarded for his every 
sorrow. 

Then the king, strong in battle, the de- 
fence of heroes, bade them bring in the heir- 
loom of Hrethel, all decked with gold, — 
there was no dearer sword among the treas- 
ures of the Geats. He laid it in Beowulf's 
lap; and he gave to him seven thousand 
104 



[2I95-2I99] BEOW UL F 

pieces of money, and a castle and a princely 
seat. Both of them possessed inherited land 
in the nation, a home and its rights, but 
Hygelac had the broad kingdom, and therein 
he was the greater man. 



[2200-2213] 

Part III 

BEOWULF AND THE DRAGON 

XXXI — Continued 

How Beowulf hecame king and reigned for fifty years, 
and how a great Dragon, who watched over a vast 
treasure-hoard, wasted his land. 

Thereafter in later days by reason of the 
crash of battle it fell thus ; after Hygelac was 
laid low, and Heardred had been slain by war- 
swords piercing beneath the shield, at the time 
when the War-Scyldings, fierce battle-wolves, 
fell upon him among his victorious people and 
overwhelmed the nephew of Hereric in war, — 
after that, the broad kingdom came into the 
hand of Beowulf. He ruled it well for fifty 
winters,— and the king, aged guardian of the 
land, was old, — until a certain dragon began 
to hold sway on dark nights and work his will, 
one who on a high mound kept watch over a 
treasure-hoard in a steep and rocky cave. 
106 



[2213-2232] BEOWULF 

Beneath it lay a path, unknown to men. 
But a certain slave entered there and eagerly 
took from the heathen hoard ; he seized with 
his hand a cup, bright with gold. Nor did he 
give it back, albeit he had beguiled the keeper 
of the hoard with thievish craft. The king, 
best of heroes, learned of that deed, and he 
was filled with wrath. 



XXXII 

Of the hoard in the mound and how the Dragon came 
by it. The wrath of the Dragon. 

Nowise of his own freewill and purpose did 
the slave seek out the dragon's hoard, and 
bring sore harm upon himself, but in dire need, 
this thrall of one among the children of men 
had fled from wrathful blows, a homeless 
wretch, haunted by sin, and he had entered 
there. But soon it had come to pass that 
awful terror seized upon the invader ;. . . .just 
as the terror got hold of him he saw the 
precious cup. 

Many olden treasures were lying in that 
107 



BEOWULF [2232-2256] 

cave of earth where a certain man in days of 
yore had hidden away the dear possessions, 
taking thought for the great bequest of his 
noble kin. Death had snatched away those 
men in times gone by, and, at the last, the 
one who tarried longest there of all that 
mighty line was mourning for his friends ; 
yet he would fain live that he might enjoy for 
a little time those olden treasures. 

There was a new mound ready on the plain, 
near to the cliff hard by the ocean-waves, 
made fast by cunning craft. Thither the 
keeper of rings bore that heavy store of 
beaten gold, the princely treasures ; and he 
spoke a few words : ''Now do thou hold, oh 
Earth — since heroes could not hold—this 
princely treasure, for, lo ! in thee at first the 
good men found it. Every man of my people 
who hath yielded up this life, dread slaughter, 
death in war, hath swept away; — they had 
known the pleasures of the hall! None have 
I to wield the sword, none to burnish the 
plated beaker, the precious drinking-cup ; — 
the warrior-heroes are departed otherwhere. 
The hard helmet, decked with gold, must be 
bereft of its adornments; they sleep who 
108 



[2256-2281] BEOWULF 

once did brighten it, they who prepared the 
masks of war. Likewise the coat of mail which, 
amid the crash of shields, was proof against 
the bite of swords in battle, moulders with 
the hero; the byrnie may no longer make 
far journeys with the war-leader, together 
with heroes. There is no joy of harp, no 
mirth of the gleewood, no good hawk swinging 
through the hall, no swift horse beating with his 
hoof the castle-yard. Baleful death hath sent 
forth many mortals on their way." Thus, alone 
and heavy-hearted, he sorrowfully lamented for 
them all, mournfully weeping by day and night 
until the surge of death touched at his heart. 

Then the beauteous hoard, standing all 
open, had been found by the old twilight foe, 
the naked venomous dragon, he who, wrapped 
in flames, haunteth the mounds, and flies by 
night begirt with fire; of him the dwellers in 
the land are sore afraid. It is his wont to find 
out some hoard in the earth, where, old in win- 
ters, he shall guard the heathen gold, — but 
naught the better will he fare for that! 

Thus for three hundred winters the scourge 
of the people had held the vast treasure-cave 
within the earth, until a certain man angered 
109 



BEOWULF [2281-2303] 

him in his heart, and bore away a plated 
beaker to his lord, and prayed his master for 
a covenant of peace. Thus the hoard was 
plundered, and a part of the treasure taken 
away. But his boon was granted to that 
wretched man. His lord beheld for the first 
time that handiwork of ancient men. 

Soon as the dragon woke, strife was begun ; 
fierce at heart he sniffed along the rock, and 
found out the tracks of his foe, for with secret 
craft he had gone on too far, hard by the 
dragon's head. So the man not doomed to 
die easily escapeth woe and banishment, e'en 
he whom the grace of the Lord upholdeth. 
The keeper of the hoard sought eagerly along 
the ground, he wished to find the man who 
had wrought him this mischief in his sleep. 
Wroth and hot-hearted, he circled oft around 
the mound without; — but there was none 
upon the waste. Yet he rejoiced in the 
thought of battle, in warfare to come. At 
times he would turn back to the mound, and 
seek his precious cup. Soon he discovered 
that some one of menfolk had found out the 
gold, his splendid treasure. 

Impatiently the keeper of the hoard waited 



[2303-2318] BEOWULF 

till even was come; the guardian of the mound 
was mad with wrath; the foe wished to re- 
pay them with fire and burning for the loss 
of his dear cup. And the day departed, e'en 
as the dragon wished. No longer, then, 
would he abide at his den, but went forth 
flaming, all girdled with fire. Fearful was 
the beginning for the men of that land, even 
as the end was bitter, which straight there- 
after fell upon their gracious lord. 



XXXIII 

The Dragon hurneth Beowulf's hall, and the old king 
maketh ready to go out against him. Of Beowulf's 
early deeds in battle, and of the death of Heardred. 

Then the monster began to spew forth coals 
of fire and burn the bright dwellings; the 
surging flame leaped forth, terrifying the 
people ; the loathed flier of the air meant to 
leave naught in that place alive. The war- 
fare of the dragon, the vengeance of the 
deadly foe, near and far was manifest, how 



BEOWULF [2318-2341] 

the destroyer hated and humbled the Geatish 
folk. Ere break of day he shot back to 
his hoard again, to his dark and secret hall. 
He had encompassed the men of that land 
with flame, with fire and burning, trusting for 
defence in his mound, his wall, and his might 
in warfare ; — his trust betrayed him ! 

And forthwith the terror was made known 
unto Beowulf, how for a truth his own home, 
best of halls, the gift-seat of the Geats, had 
melted away in waves of fire. The good man 
suffered pain at heart, most grievous sorrow; 
the wise hero thought that, sinning against 
the ancient laws, he had provoked to anger 
the Almighty, the Lord eternal; his breast 
within him surged with dark thoughts, as was 
not his wont. 

The fire-dragon with his burning coals had 
utterly destroyed the fortress, stronghold of 
the people, the water-washed fastness. There- 
fore the war-king, chief of the Weders, de- 
vised revenge upon him. Then the defence 
of warriors, lord of heroes, bade them make 
him a wondrous battle-shield, all of iron; for 
he knew full well that a shield of linden wood 
from the forest could avail him naught against 



[2341-2365] BEOWULF 

the flame. But the valiant prince was doomed 
to meet the end of his fleeting days, of this 
worldly life, and the dragon too, though- he 
had long held the hoarded treasure. 

But the ring-prince scorned to seek out the 
wide-flying pest with a host of men, a great 
army; he had no fear of the combat for him- 
self, nor did he esteem at all the dragon's 
war-might, his strength and prowess; foras- 
much as aforetime, though in narrow straits, 
he had come safe through many a contest, 
many a battle-crash, after the time that he, 
crowned with victory, cleansed Hrothgar's 
hall, and closed in fight with Grendel's kin of 
loathed race. 

Nor was that the least of contests in which 
Hygelac, son of Hrethel, was slain in the 
storm of battle, when the king of the Geats, 
kind lord of the people, smitten by the sword, 
died a bloody death in Friesland. Thence 
Beowulf came off by his own strength, swim- 
ming the waves; upon his arm he had thirty 
suits of armor, when all alone he went down 
to the sea. The Hetwaras, who had borne 
out their shields against him, had no cause 
to boast of their warfare, for few escaped 
"3 



BEOWULF [2366-2390] 

from that war-wolf unto their home. So the 
son of Ecgtheow, wretched and alone, swam 
over the expanse of the waters back to his 
own people. There Hygd offered him the 
kingdom and the treasure, wealth and royal 
throne, for she put no trust in her child, that he 
would be able to hold the native seats against 
foreign tribes, now that Hygelac was dead. Yet 
none the sooner could the bereaved people per- 
suade the prince on any conditions to become 
Heardred's lord and take the kingdom ; never- 
theless he upheld Heardred among the people 
with friendly counsel, with favor, and with honor, 
until he grew older and ruled the Weder-Geats. 
But banished men, the sons of Ohthere, 
came to his land from overseas ; they had re- 
belled against the lord of the Scylfings, the 
great prince, best of the sea-kings that dealt 
out treasure in the Swedish land. Thus 
Heardred's death was brought about; Hyge- 
lac's son, destitute, there received the allotted 
death-wound by blows of the sword. And, 
after the fall of Heardred, the son of Ongen- 
theow returned unto his home, and suffered 
Beowulf to have the royal throne, and rule 
over the Geats, — he was a good king! 
114 



[2391-2408] BEOWULF 

XXXIV 

Eovi Heardred was avenged. Beowulf goes forth. He 
tells of his early years and of the death of Hereheald 
and Hcetheyn, and how Hygelae was king. 

In later days Beowulf bethought him of 
retribution for the prince's fall ; he befriended 
the wretched Eadgils. Sailing over the broad 
sea, he supported the son of Ohthere with his 
army, with his warriors and weapons. There- 
after Eadgils avenged himself for his drear 
and bitter exile, and took the life of the king. 

Thus the son of Ecgtheow had come safe 
through his every conflict, every perilous fight 
and brave adventure, even unto that great day 
in which he was to give battle to the dragon. 
Then the lord of the Geats, being filled with 
wrath, went forth with twelve companions to 
look upon the serpent. He had learned how 
the feud arose, the deadly [hatred toward his 
men, for he had received the goodly treasure- 
cup from the hand of him who found it. He 
was the thirteenth in the band, e'en the man 
who had caused the beginning of the feud, a 
captive sad at heart. Him they compelled in 
115 



BEOWULF [2408-2431] 

downcast mood to guide them to the spot. 
Unwillingly he went to where he knew that 
earth-hall stood, a cavern under ground, hard 
by the struggling waves and the surge of the 
waters; within, it was full of jewels and fili- 
gi'ees. The awful guardian, a ready fighter, 
had long watched o'er his golden treasures 
under the earth. No easy task was it for any 
man to purchase entrance there. 

Then the king, strong in battle, the boun- 
teous lord of the Geats, sat him down upon 
the headland, while he bade farewell to his 
hearth-companions. His spirit was full of sor- 
row, wavering, and ready to depart; Wyrd 
was upon him, she who was to come unto 
that aged man, to seek out the treasure of 
his soul and put asunder the life from the 
body ; no long time was it now that the prince's 
soul was to be enwrapped in flesh. Beowulf, 
son of Ecgtheow, spoke: "In my youth I 
passed through many a battle-onset, many an 
hour of strife ; I remember all. I was seven 
winters old when the treasure-prince, dear lord 
of the people, received me from the hand of 
my father; King Hrethel had me and held me 
as his own; he gave me of his treasure and 
116 



[2431-2456] BEOWULF 

his food, remembering our kinship. Never, 
while a thane in his hall, was I a whit less dear 
to him than any of his sons, Herebeald, 
Haethcyn, or Hygelac my lord. For the 
eldest born a kinsman's deed did strew the 
bed of death, as was not meet, for Haeth- 
cyn laid him low, him his dear lord, with 
a bolt from his bow of horn; he missed 
the mark, and shot his kinsman down, — with 
the bloody dart brother did brother slay. It 
was a deed sinfully committed, not to be 
atoned, sickening to the heart, yet howe'er it 
were, the prince must needs depart from life 
unavenged. 

**In like manner it is a piteous thing for_ 
an aged man to live to see his young son 
swinging upon the gallows; he utters his 
lament, his song of woe, while his son hangeth 
there for the raven's delight, and he, old and 
full of years, can do naught to help him. Ever 
at morn he will be minded of his son's de- 
parture, nor will he care to await another heir 
within his home, since this one, through the 
pangs of death, hath received for his deeds. 
Worn with sorrow, he seeth in his son's dwell- 
ing, all bereft of revelry, a deserted wine-hall, 
117 



BEOWULF [2456-2472] 

where the winds linger; — riders and heroes 
are sleeping in the grave; there is no sound 
of harp, no joy within the courts, as formerly 
there was." 

XXXV 

Beowulf ends Ms discourse, and bids farewell to his 
thanes. He shouts aloud, and the Dragon comes 
forth. The fight begins. It goes hard with Beowulf. 

**Then he goes to his bed, chanting in his 
loneliness a song of lamentation for the de- 
parted one; fields and dwelling-place, all 
seemed too empty for him. Even so suffered 
the defence of the Weders, while his heart 
within him surged with sorrow in memory of 
Herebeald. In nowise could he avenge the 
feud upon the murderer; none the sooner with 
hostile deeds could he wreak his hatred on 
the warrior, though he was not dear to him. 
Then, because of the sorrow which that wound 
cost him, he gave o'er the joys of men; he 
chose the light of God. He left to his sons, 
as a rich man is wont, his land and chief cities, 
when he departed from life. 

''Then, after the death of Hrethel, there 
was feud and strife, contest and fierce hostility 
118 



[2472-2498] BEOWULF 

between the Geats and the Swedes o'er the 
wide water; and the sons of Ongentheow grew 
bold and eager for warfare ; they would not 
keep the peace beyond the seas, but made 
many terrible inroads around Hreosnabeorh. 
For that my kinsmen took revenge, for the 
feud and the treachery, as was well known, 
although one bought it with his life, — a heavy 
price; Hsethcyn, lord of the Geats, fell in 
that war. But I heard men say that in the 
morning, when Ongentheow met with Eofor, 
brother avenged brother upon the murderer, 
with the edge of the sword ; the helmet was 
split asunder, — Ongentheow, the aged Scyl- 
fing, fell, pale in death ; the hand that smote 
remembered feuds enough, it did not withhold 
the death-blow. 

"Then in my warfare it was granted me 
to pay Hygelac with my flashing sword for 
the treasures he had given me. He bestowed 
upon me land, a dwelling-place and the joys 
of a home. He did not need to seek out a 
worse warrior among the Gifths or the Spear- 
Danes or in the Swedish realm, and hire him 
for pay. Ever was I wont to be before him 
in his host, alone in the van. And even so all 
119 



BEOWULF [2498-2523] 

my life long will I wage warfare, while lasts 
this sword which has often served me early 
and late, e'er since in my valor I slew Dseg- 
hrefn with my hand, him who was champion 
of the Hugas. By no means was he suffered 
to carry spoils, fair breast-adornments, unto 
the Frisian king, for the standard-keeper fell 
in battle, a prince in his might; he was not 
slain with the sword, — the grapple of war 
crushed his body and the beating of his heart. 
But now the edge of the sword, hand and hard 
blade, must do battle for the treasure." 

Beowulf spoke; for the last time he uttered 
boastful words: '' In the days of my youth I 
ventured on many battles ; and even now will 
I, the aged guardian of my people, go into 
the fight and do memorable deeds, if the great 
destroyer come forth to me out of his cavern." 
Then for the last time he greeted each of the 
men, bold helmet-wearers, his own dear com- 
panions. *'I would not bear a sword or any 
weapon against the Serpent, if I knew how 
else I could maintain my boast against the 
monster, as I did of old against Grendel. But 
I look for hot battle-fire there, for the ven- 
omous blast of his nostrils ; therefore I have 



[2523-2547] BEOWULF 

upon me shield and byrnie. I will not flee 
one foot's breadth from the keeper of that 
mound, but it shall be with us twain at the 
wall as Wyrd, lord of every man, allotteth. I 
am eager in spirit, so that I forbear boasting 
against the winged warrior. But do ye men 
tarry upon the mound with your armor upon 
you, clad in your byrnies, to see which of us 
twain after the strife shall survive the deadly 
woundings. It is no exploit for you, nor for 
the might of any man, save mine alone to meas- 
ure strength with the monster and do heroic 
deeds. I will boldly win the gold, or else 
battle, yea an evil death, shall take away your 
lord." 

Then the mighty warrior rose up with his 
shield, stern under his helmet; he bore his 
battle-mail beneath the stony cliffs ; he trusted 
in his single strength. That is no coward's 
way! And he beheld hard by the wall, — he of 
noble worth, who had passed through many 
wars and clashing battles when armed hosts 
close in fight, — where stood an arch of stone 
and a stream breaking out thence from the 
mound ; the surge of the stream was hot with 
battle-fire. The hero could not abide near 



BEOWULF [2547-2572] 

the hoard anywhile unburned, because of the 
dragon's flame. 

Then the lord of the Geats, for he was 
wroth, sent forth a word from his breast. The 
stout-hearted warrior stormed ; his voice bat- 
tle-clear, entered in and rang under the hoary 
rock. The keeper of the hoard knew the 
speech of men, and his hatred was stirred. 
There was no more time to seek for peace. 
First came forth out of the rock the breath of 
the evil beast, the hot reek of battle. The 
earth resounded. The hero 'neath the mound, 
lord of the Geats, swung up his shield against 
the awful foe, and the heart of the coiled 
monster grew eager to go out to the strife. 
Already the good warrior-king had drawn his 
sword, that olden heirloom, undulled of edge. 
Each of those destroyers was struck with 
terror by the other. Stout-hearted stood 
that prince of friends against his tall shield, 
while the dragon coiled himself quickly to- 
gether; Beowulf awaited him in his armor. 

Then the flaming dragon, curving like a bow, 
advanced upon him, hastening to his fate. A 
shorter time did the shield protect well the 
life and body of the mighty king than his 



[2572-2597] BEOWULF 

hopes had looked for, if haply he were to get 
victory in the combat at that time, early in the 
day; but Wyrd did not thus appoint for him. 
The lord of the Geats lifted his hand and 
smote the hideous-gleaming foe with his 
weighty sword, in such wise that the brown 
blade weakened as it fell upon the bone, and 
bit less deeply than its lord had need of, when 
sore beset. Then, at the sword-stroke, the 
keeper of the mound was furious in spirit. 
He cast forth devouring fire. Far and wide 
shot the deadly flame. The lord of the Geats 
nowise boasted of victory, for his naked war- 
sword, his excellent blade, weakened in the 
fight, as was not meet. It was no easy course 
for the mighty son of Ecgtheow to forsake 
this earth forever; yet he was doomed against 
his will to take up his abode in a dwelling 
otherwhere. So every man must quit these 
fleeting days. 

It was not long ere the fighters closed again. 
The keeper of the hoard plucked up his 
courage; his breast heaved anew with his 
venomous breathing. He who erewhile ruled 
the people was hard put to it, being encom- 
passed by fire. In nowise did his own com- 
123 



BEOWULF [2597-2613] 

panions, sons of heroes, surround him in a 
band with warlike valor, but they took refuge 
in the wood to save their lives. There was 
but one among them whose heart surged with 
sorrows. Naught can ever put aside the bond 
of friendship in him who thinketh aright. 

XXXVI 

Wiglaf, a young thane of Beowulf's, upbraids his fellows 
and goes to the help of the old king. Beowulf's 
sword is shattered in the fight, and he gets a deadly 
wound. 

He was called Wiglaf, son of Weohstan, a be- 
loved warrior, lord of the Scylfings, kinsman 
of ^Ifhere. He saw his lord suffering the 
heat under his helmet; and he remembered all 
the benefits which Beowulf had given him in 
time past, the rich dwelling-place of the 
Waegmundings, and every folk-right which his 
father possessed. And he could not forbear, 
but seized the shield, the yellow linden, with 
his hand, and drew forth his old sword. This 
was known among men as an heirloom of 
Eanmund, son of Ohthere, whom, when a 
friendless exile, Weohstan slew in fight with 
124 



[2614-2639] BEOWULF 

the edge of the sword; he bore to his kins- 
man the brown-hued helmet, the ringed byrnie, 
the old giant-sword that Onela had given him ; 
they were his comrade's war-harness, his ready 
armor. He spoke not of the feud, though he 
had killed his brother's son. He held the 
spoils, the sword and byrnie, for many years 
until his son could do a hero's deeds, like his 
father before him. Then he gave to him, 
among the Geats, war-harness of all kinds 
without number, when, full of years, he 
passed forth out of life along his last way. 

This was the first time that the young war- 
rior was to engage in the storm of war with 
his high lord. But his heart melted not within 
him, nor did his kinsman's heirloom weaken 
in the fight. That the dragon learned after 
they had come together. 

Wiglaf spoke many fitting words, saying to 
his companions, — for his soul was sad within 
him: *'I remember the time when, as we 
drank the mead in the beer-hall, we promised 
our lord, him who gave us these rings, that we 
would repay him for the war-harness, for hel- 
mets and hard swords, if need like this befell 
him. Of his own will he chose us from his 
125 



BEOWULF [2639-2665] 

host for this adventure, urged us to do glo- 
riously, and gave me these treasures, since he 
deemed us good spearmen, keen helm-bearers, 
albeit our lord, defender of his people, had 
thought to do this mighty work alone, for 
that he of all men hath performed most of 
famed exploits and daring deeds. Now the day 
is come when our lord needs the might of good 
warriors. Let us on to his help, whilst the heat 
is upon him, and the grim terror of the fire. 

'*God knows of me that I would much 
rather that the flame should enwrap my body 
with my king's. Methinks it unseemly that we 
should bear our shields back to our home, un- 
less we can first strike down the foe and de- 
fend the life of the Weders' king. Full well 
I know that it is not according to his old 
deserts that he alone of all the Geatish force 
should endure the pain and sink in the fight. 
There shall be one sword and one helmet, one 
shield and one byrnie in common unto us." 

Then he sped through the noisome smoke, 
bearing his war-helmet to the aid of his lord ; 
he spoke a few words; ** Beloved Beowulf, 
now do thou all things well, as thou of old 
sworest in the days of thy youth that thou 
126 



[2665-2689] BEOWULF 

wouldstnot let thy glory fade while thou didst 
live. Now, O resolute hero, famed for thy 
deeds, thou must defend thy life with all thy 
might. Lo, I will help thee." 

After these words, the dragon, awful mon- 
ster, flashing with blazing flames, came on all 
wroth a second time to meet his hated foe- 
men. Wiglaf's shield was burned away to the 
boss in the waves of fire; the byrnie could 
give no help to the young spear-warrior. But 
the youth went quickly under his kinsman's 
shield, since his own had been burned to ashes 
in the fire. Then again the war-king took 
thought for his glory ; mightily he smote with 
his battle-sword so that it stood in the dragon's 
head, driven by force. Naegling was shivered 
in pieces; Beowulf's sword, old and gray- 
marked, weakened in the fight; — it was not 
granted that the iron blade should help him 
in the strife. Too strong was the hand, as I 
have heard, which by its blow overtaxed all 
swords whatsoever; so that he fared none the 
better for it, when he bore into the fight a 
weapon wondrous hard. 

Then the destroyer of people, the dread 
fire-dragon, for the third time was mindful of 
127 



BEOWULF [2689-2708] 

the feud. He rushed on the brave hero, when 
ground was yielded him. Hot and fierce, he 
seized upon Beowulf's whole neck with his sharp 
teeth. He was all bloodied over with his life- 
blood ; the gore welled forth in streams. 

XXXVII 

They slay the Dragon. The king is nigh unto death. 

Then I have heard men tell how, in the 
king's great need, Wiglaf, the hero, showed 
forth unceasing courage, skill and valor, as 
was natural to him ; he heeded not the dragon's 
head (though the brave hero's hand was burned 
as he helped his kinsman), but the armed man 
smote the evil beast a littler lower down, inso- 
much that the bright and plated sword drove 
into him, and the fire began to wane forth- 
with. Then the king recovered himself once 
more ; he drew the short-sword, keen and sharp 
in battle, which he wore on his byrnie. The 
defence of the Weders cut the Serpent asunder 
in the middle. They struck down the foe; 
their might drove forth his life, and thus 
they twain, noble kinsmen, destroyed him. 
128 



[2708-2733] BEOWULF 

E'en such should a man be, a thane good at 
need. That was the king's last hour of victory 
by his own great deeds, the last of his worldly 
work. 

But the wound which the earth-dragon had 
given him began to burn and swell ; presently 
he found that poison, deadly venom, was 
surging in his breast. Then the prince, still 
wise in mind, moved along so that he might 
seat him by the mound; he saw that work of 
giants, saw how the rocky arches standing 
firm on their pillars, upheld within the earth- 
hall everlasting. Then the thane, surpassing 
good, taking water, with his hands bathed 
the great king, his own dear lord, all gory 
and wearied with battle, and loosened his 
helmet. 

Beowulf spoke and uttered words, despite 
his wound, his piteous battle-hurt; full well 
he knew that his life of earthly joy was 
spent, that the appointed number of his days 
was run, and Death exceeding near: "Now 
would I give my war-harness unto my son, 
had I been granted any heir, born of my 
body, to come after me. Fifty winters have 
I ruled this people ; yet there was never a 
129 



BEOWULF [2733-2754] 

king of all the neighbor tribes who durst 
attack me with the sword or oppress me with 
terror. In my home I awaited what the times 
held in store for me, kept well mine own, 
sought out no wily quarrels, swore not many 
a false oath. In all this I can rejoice, though 
death-sick with my wounds, inasmuch as the 
Ruler of men cannot reproach me with murder 
of kinsmen, when my life parteth from my 
body. Now do thou, dear Wiglaf, lightly go 
and view the hoard 'neath the gray rock, now 
the dragon lieth low, sleepeth sore wounded, 
bereft of his treasure. Do thou make haste 
that I may behold the olden treasures, that 
store of gold, and look upon those bright and 
curious gems ; and thus, having seen the treas- 
ured wealth, I may the easier quit life and the 
kingdom which long I have ruled." 

XXXVIII 

^Beowulf heholdeth the treasure, andpasseth. 

And I have heard how the son of Weohstan, 
after these words, quickly obeyed his wounded 
lord, sick from the battle ; he bore his ringed 
130 



[2754-2778] BEOWULF 

mail-shirt, the woven battle-sark, 'neath the 
roof of the cave. And the brave thane, ex- 
ultant victor, as he went by the seat, saw 
many precious jewels, much glistering gold 
lying upon the ground and wondrous treas- 
ures on the wall, and the den of the dragon, 
the old twilight-flier; bowls lay there, vessels 
of bygone men, with none to brighten them, 
their adornments fallen away. There was 
many a helmet old and rusty, many an arm- 
ring cunningly twisted. Treasure of gold 
found in the earth can easily puff with pride 
the heart of any man, hide it who will. Like- 
wise he saw a banner all of gold standing 
there, high above the hoard, greatest of won- 
ders, woven by skill of hand; from it there 
shone a ray of light, so that he could see the 
cavern floor, and examine the fair jewels. 
Naught was to be seen of the dragon there, 
for the sword had undone him! 

Thus I have heard how one man alone at 
his own free will plundered the hoard within 
the cave, the old work of the giants, how he 
laid in his bosom beakers and dishes; he took 
the banner, too, that brightest of beacons. 
The old lord's blade, with its iron edge, had 
131 



BEOWULF [2778-2803] 

sorely injured him who long had been the 
owner of these treasures, who at midnight had 
borne about the fiery terror, dreadfully surg- 
ing, hot before the hoard, until he died the 
death. 

The messenger was in haste, eager to re- 
turn, enriched with spoils. The great-hearted 
man was spurred with longing to know 
whether he would find alive the lord of the 
Weders, grievously sick, in the place where 
he had left him. And bringing the treasures, 
he found the great prince, his lord, bleeding, 
at the point of death; he began to sprinkle 
him again with water until the word's point 
broke through the treasure of his heart, and 
Beowulf spoke, aged and sorrowful, as he 
gazed upon the gold: "I utter thanks unto 
the Ruler of all. King of Glory, the everlast- 
ing Lord, for these fair things, which here I 
look upon, inasmuch as ere my death-day I 
have been able to win them for my people. 
I have sold and paid mine aged life for the 
treasure-hoard. Fulfil ye now the needs of 
the people. Here can I be no more. Bid 
the brave warriors rear a splendid mound at 
the sea-cape after my body is burned. 
132 



[2804-2824] BEOWULF 

Thereon Whale's Ness shall it tower high as a 
memorial for my people, so that seafarers, 
they who drive from far their great ships over 
the misty floods, may in aftertime call it 
* Beowulf's Mound.' " 

The great-hearted king took from his neck 
the ring of gold ; gave to his thane, the youth- 
ful warrior, his helmet gold-adorned, his ring 
and his byrnie, bade him enjoy them well. 

*' Thou art the latest left of all our kin, the 
Wsegmundings. Wyrd hath swept away all 
my kinsmen, heroes in their might, to the 
appointed doom. I must after them." 

That was the old king's last word from the 
thoughts of his heart, ere he yielded to the 
bale-fire, the hotly surging flames. His soul 
departed from out his bosom unto the reward of 
the righteous. 

XXXIX 

Wiglaf bitterly upbraids those craven thanes. 

Thus it went full hard with the young man 
to see his best-beloved friend lying lifeless on 
the ground, faring most wretchedly. His de- 
133 



BEOWULF [2824-2851] 

stroyer lay there too, the horrid earth-dragon, 
bereft of life, crushed in ruin. No longer 
could the coiled serpent rule over treasure- 
hoards, for the edge of the sword, the hard, 
battle-notched work of the hammer, had de- 
stroyed him, and he had fallen to the ground 
near his hoard-hall, stilled by the wounding. 
No more in play did he whirl through the air 
at midnight, and show himself forth, proud of 
his treasure, for he sank to earth by the 
mighty hand of the battle-chief. 

Indeed, as I have heard, it hath prospered 
few men in the world, e'en though mighty, 
however daring in their every deed, to rush 
on against the breath of a venomous foe, or 
to disturb his treasure-hall, if they found the 
keeper waking, abiding in his mound. Beo- 
wulf paid with his death for his share in the 
splendid riches. Both of them had reached 
the end of this fleeting life. 

It was not long thereafter that the cowards 
left the wood, those faint-hearted traitors, the 
ten of them together, e'en they who in their 
lord's great need had not dared to brandish 
the spear. But shamefully now they bore 
their shields, their war-armor, to where the 
134 



[2851-2877] BEOWULF 

old man lay. They looked upon Wiglaf. 
The wearied warrior was sitting by his lord's 
shoulder; he was trying to revive him with 
water, but it availed him naught. He could 
not stay the chieftain's life on earth, though 
dearly he wished it, nor change the will of 
God in aught. The judgment of the Lord was 
wont to rule the deeds of every man, e'en as 
still it doth. 

And straightway the youth had a fierce and 
ready answer for those whose courage had 
failed them. Wiglaf, son of Weohstan, spoke, 
sad at heart, as he looked upon those hated 
men: "Lo! he who is minded to speak the 
truth may say that the liege lord, he who gave 
you these treasures, e'en the battle-armor in 
which ye are standing, — what time at the ale- 
bench the king gave oft unto his thanes, 
sitting in the hall, helms and byrnies, the 
choicest far or near which he could find, — 
that he utterly and wretchedly wasted that 
war-harness. Nowise did the king need to 
boast of his comrades in arms when strife 
overtook him; yet God, the Lord of victory, 
granted him unaided to avenge himself with 
the sword, when he had need of valor. Little 
135 



BEOWULF [2877-2897] 

protection could I give him in the fight ; and 
yet I tried what was beyond my power, — to 
help my kinsman. It was ever the worse for 
the deadly foe when I smote him with the 
sword, the fire less fiercely flamed from his 
head. Too few defenders thronged about 
their lord when the dread moment fell. Now, 
all sharing of treasure, all gifts of swords, all 
hope, all rights of home, shall cease from 
your kin. Every man of your house shall 
roam, bereft of tribal rights, as soon as the 
princes in far countries hear of your flight, 
your inglorious deed. Death is better for 
every man than a life of shame! " 

XL AND XLI 

Beowulf's death is announced to the host. The messenger 
discourses. The people go to the place of the fight. 

Then he bade announce the issue of the 
fight to the stronghold up over the sea-cliff, 
where the sad warrior-band had been sitting 
by their shields the morning long, looking 
either for the death or the return of their 
dear lord. Little did he keep silence of the 
136 



[2898-2921] BEOWULF 

new tidings, he who rode up the headland, 
but truthfully spoke before them all: **Now 
the chief of the Weder people, lord of the 
Geats, source of all our joy, is fast in the bed 
of death ; he lieth low in slaughter because of 
the Dragon's deeds. Beside him lieth his 
deadly adversary, slain by the wounding of 
the knife ; for with the sword he could nowise 
wound the monster. Wiglaf, the son of 
Weohstan, sitteth over Beowulf, the living 
hero by the dead; over his head with weary 
heart he keepeth watch for friend and foe. 

** Now the people may look for a season of 
war as soon as the fall of the king is published 
abroad among the Franks and the Frisians. 
A fierce strife with the Hugas arose when 
Hygelac came with a fleet upon the Frisian 
land; there the Hetwaras vanquished him in 
battle; by their valor, with an overwhelming 
army, they forced the mailed warrior to sink 
in the fight; he fell amid his host. The 
prince gave no spoils to his warriors. Ne'er 
since then has the favor of the Merovingian 
been granted unto us. 



137 



BEOWULF [2922-2948] 

THE BATTLE OF RAVENSWOOD 

The messenger telleth how Ongentheow, king of the Swedes, 
besieged the Geats in Ravenswood until King Hygelac 
came to them. How two Geaiish brothers, Eofor and 
Wulf, killed King Ongentheow in the battle that fol- 
lowed, and how they were rewarded by Hygelac. 

' ' Nor do I anywise look for peace or truth from the 
' Swedes, for 'twas widely known that Ongentheow took 
the life of Hsethcyn, son of Hrethel, near Ravenswood, 
what time the War-Scylfings in vainglory did first attack 
the Geats. Straightway the aged father of Ohthere, old 
and terrible, retaliated ; he slew Hsethcyn, the sea-king, 
the old man rescued his wife, though robbed of her gold, 
his spouse, the mother of Ohthere and Onela, and then he 
followed after his deadly foes, until they escaped with 
difficulty into Ravenswood, deprived of their lord. Then 
with a great army he beset the remnant left by the sword, 
weary with their wounds; oft during all that night did he 
threaten woe to the hapless band ; said that on the mor- 
row he would slay them with the edge of the sword, and 
hang some of them on the gallows for a delight to the 
birds. 

"With daybreak comfort came to the heavy-hearted 
men, when they heard Hygelac's horn and the blast of his 
trumpet, as the good king came marching on in their track 
with his mighty men. 

' ' Far and wide was to be seen the bloody track of 
Swedes and Geats, the warriors* deadly strife,— how the 
peoples, each with each, stirred up the feud. Then the 
138 



[2949-2983] BEOWULF 

good chief Ongentheow, aged and downcast, retreated 
with his comrades to the stronghold, the warrior turned 
back towards the upland ; he had learned of the proud 
chief's warfare, of Hygelac's might in the battle. He 
trusted not in resistance, trusted not that he could defy 
the seamen, the ocean-farers, and defend his treasure, his 
children and wife ; the old man drew back thence under 
the earth-wall. 

' • Then chase was given to the Swedish folk and 
Hygelac's standard reared. Forth they went over that 
peace-plain, until the Hrethlings thronged up to the in- 
closure. There Ongentheow, the white-haired, was 
driven to bay with the edge of the sword, so that the 
mighty king was forced to submit to the sole will of 
Eofor. Wulf, son of Wonred, struck at him fiercely with 
his weapon so that at the blow the blood burst forth in 
streams from 'neath his hair. Yet the aged Scylfing was 
not daunted ; but the king quickly repaid that deadly 
stroke with worse exchange, when he turned upon him. 
The swift son of Wonred could not return the blow to 
that aged man, for Ongentheow had first cleft through 
the helmet on his head, so that he was forced to bow ; 
stained with blood, he fell to earth. But he was not yet 
doomed, for he raised himself up, though the wound had 
touched him nearly. Then, when his brother lay pros- 
trate, Hygelac's brave thane let his broad blade, his old 
giant-sword, break through the wall of shields down into 
the giant-fashioned helm, and the king, defence of the 
people, bowed him low, — he was mortally wounded. 

' ' There were many who bound up the wounds of the 
brother ; upraised him quickly when the place was cleared 

139 



BEOWULF [2984-3013] 

for them, so that they could be masters of the battle-field ; 
meanwhile the one warrior stripped the other, — Eofor 
took from Ongentheow his iron byrnie, his hard and 
hilted sword, with his helmet, too. 

' * They bore unto Hygelac the old man's war-harness. 
He received the spoils, and graciously promised them re- 
wards among his people ; and he performed it even so. 
The lord of the Geats, the son of Hrethel, when he had 
returned home, repaid Eofor and Wulf for their deadly 
fight with treasure exceeding great ; he gave unto each 
of them a hundred thousand in land and twisted rings ; 
nor needed any man on earth reproach him with those 
rewards, since they had won glory in the fight. And, 
moreover, as a pledge of his favor, he gave unto Eofor 
his only daughter in marriage, for an honor to his home. 

**Such is the feud and the enmity, the 
deadly strife of nations, for which, as I ween, 
the Swedish people will attack us, soon as 
they learn that our lord is dead, he who up- 
held our treasure and our realm against the 
foe, wrought good for his people, and further- 
more did great and glorious deeds. 

** Now we had best hasten to go and look 
upon our king, and then bring our ring-be- 
stower along his way to the pyre. No mean 
thing shall be burned with the hero, for the 
hoard of treasure, of untold riches, has been 
bitterly purchased ; and now at the last, he 
140 



[3013-3037] BEO W UL F 

has bought these jewels with his own life. 
Fire shall devour them, flames shall enwrap 
them. No warrior shall bear away any of the 
treasure for a memorial, no fair maiden shall 
wear upon her neck the jeweled adornment; 
but rather, bereft of her gold and sad at 
heart, she shall tread the land of the stranger 
often and often, now that the chieftain has 
quitted laughter, mirth and glee. Therefore 
many a spear, cold in the morning, must 
needs be clasped by the fingers, uplifted in 
the hand; the sound of the harp shall not 
waken the warrior, but the wan raven, eager 
o'er the doomed, shall chatter freely, telling 
the eagle how he sped at the feast, when with 
the wolf he plundered the slain." 

Thus the bold hero told his hated tidings: 
he spoke not falsely as touching facts or 
words. All the band arose; sadly they went, 
with welling tears, beneath the Eagle's Cliff 
to look upon the marvel. And they found 
him who had given them treasure in days 
gone by, found him in his resting-place, life- 
less on the sand. Gone was the hero's final 
day, for the warrior-king, lord of the Weders, 
had died a wondrous death. 



BEOWULF [3038-3057] 

But first they beheld there a stranger being, 
the loathsome beast lying over against him on 
the plain; the fiery dragon, awful monster, 
was all scorched with flames. He was fifty 
foot-measurements long where he lay. At 
times he had been wont to rejoice in the air 
at the night season ; thereafter down return- 
ing unto his den. Now he was fast in the 
clutch of death; he had enjoyed the last of 
his caverns. By him stood bowls and flagons ; 
dishes lay there, and precious swords, rusty 
and eaten through, as if they had remained in 
earth's bosom a thousand winters; for a spell 
had been wound about that vast heritage, that 
gold of bygone men, so that none could touch 
the ring-hall, save as God himself, the King 
of victory — He is man's Defence — should 
grant unto whom He would, e'en unto whatso- 
ever man should seem good to Him, to open 
up the hoard. 



142 



[3058-3077J BEOWULF 

XLII 

The Geats plunder the hoard and east the Dragon into 
the sea. 

Then it was evident that their way did not 
prosper, who had unrighteously hidden the 
riches beneath the mound. The guardian had 
slain some few of the people and the feud 
was dreadfully avenged. It is ever a wonder 
when a strong hero reacheth the end of his 
destined days, then when he may no longer 
dwell among his kinsmen in the mead-hall. 
This was the lot of Beowulf when he went out 
unto the guardian of the mound and the 
deadly strife ; himself he knew not what was 
to part him from the world. Thus the mighty 
princes, who put the treasure there, uttered a 
deep curse upon it to hold it till doomsday, 
saying that the men who plundered that place 
should be guilty of sins, imprisoned in idol- 
fanes, fast bound in the bonds of hell, and 
visited with plagues. But Beowulf was not 
greedy for gold ; he had rather looked for the 
grace of the Almighty. 

Wiglaf, son of Weohstan, spoke: ** Often, 
for the sake of one man, must many heroes 
143 



BEOWULF [3078-3103] 

suffer, even as now it hath befallen us. We 
could not teach our dear lord, keeper of the 
realm, any counsel, — that he should not go 
out against the guardian of the gold, but let 
him lie where long he had been, let him dwell 
in his haunts till the end of the world. He 
held to his high fate. The hoard is dearly 
bought and opened to our view ; too cruel was 
the fate that enticed the king thither. I went 
within and looked upon all the riches of that 
cave, since a way had been opened, though 
not in gentle wise, and a passage granted me 
in under the earth-wall. Hurriedly I seized 
with my hands a vast burden of treasure; I 
bore it out hither to my king. And he was 
yet alive, still conscious and wise of mind. 
Many things did the aged man speak in his 
sorrow; and he bade me greet you, prayed 
that ye would build upon the place of burning 
a high mound, great and glorious, in memory 
of the deeds of your lord, inasmuch as he was 
the worthiest warrior among men over the 
broad earth, while he could still enjoy the 
wealth of his cities. 

*' Let us now hasten to go and see the heap 
of treasures cunningly wrought, the wonder 
144 



[3I03-3I27] BEOWULF 

'neath the wall ; I will guide you that ye may 
behold and see, near at hand, abundance of 
rings and ample gold. When we come out 
thence, let the bier be forthwith made ready, 
and then let us bear our master, our beloved 
lord, to where he shall tarry long, safe in the 
keeping of the Almighty." 

And the son of Weohstan, the hero bold in 
battle, bade that they give command to many 
warriors, owners of homes, rulers of men, to 
bring from far wood for the pyre to where 
the good king lay, saying: **Now shall fire 
consume, while the wan flame is waxing high, 
the chief among warriors, him who oft with- 
stood the shower of darts, what time the 
storm of arrows urged by the string flew over 
the wall of shields, and the shaft fulfilled its 
duty, as, with its feather-fittings, it eagerly 
sped the barb." 

Now the wise son of Weohstan summoned 
together seven of the king's best thanes from 
out the troop, and, himself the eighth, went 
with them 'neath the hostile roof; one of the 
warriors, who went at the head, bore in his 
hand a flaming torch. And when the men 
had seen some portion of the treasure in the 
145 



BEOWULF [3127-3145] 

cave, lying there unguarded, and wasting away, 
in nowise did they choose by lot who should 
despoil that hoard ; and little did it grieve any 
man among them that the precious treasures 
were straightway borne out thence. 

Moreover, they shoved the Dragon, that ser- 
pent, over the sea-cliff, let the wave take him 
and the waters engulf the keeper of treasure. 

There the twisted gold of every sort, past 
counting, was laden upon a wain ; the prince, 
the hoary warrior, was borne away unto 
Whale s Ness. 

XLIII 

They hum Beowulf. 

Then the Geatish people fashioned for him 
a mighty pile upon the ground, all hung with 
helms, and war-shields, and bright byrnies, 
e'en as he had entreated them; and in the 
midst of it the sorrowing men laid their great 
king, their beloved lord. Then the warriors 
began to kindle the greatest of funeral fires 
upon the mound. Uprose the wood-smoke, 
black above the flame; blazing fire roared 
146 



[3146-3172] BEOWULF 

(mingled with a sound of weeping when the 
tumult of the wind was stilled), until, hot within 
the breast, it had consumed the bony frame. 
Sad at heart, with care-laden soul, they 
mourned the fall of their lord. Likewise the 
aged wife, with hair upbound, sorrowing in 
heart, sang a dirge of lamentation for Beowulf; 
oft said she dreaded sore that evil days would 
come upon her, and much bloodshed, fear of 
the warrior, and shame and bondage. Heaven 
swallowed up the smoke. 

Then the Weder people made a mound upon 
the cliff, — it was high and broad, to be seen 
afar of seafaring men ; and ten days they built 
it, the war-hero's beacon. They made a wall 
round about the ashes of the fire, e'en as the 
wisest of men could most worthily devise it 
there. Within the mound they put the rings 
and the jewels, all the adornments which the 
brave-hearted men had taken from the hoard ; 
they let the earth hold the treasure of heroes, 
put the gold in the ground, where it still re- 
mains, as useless unto men as it was of yore. 

Then warriors, sons of princes, twelve in 
all, rode round about the mound; they would 
bewail their sorrow, mourn their king, utter 
147 



BEOWULF [3172-3182] 

the dirge, and speak of their hero ; they praised 
his courage and greatly commended his mighty 
deeds. Thus it is fitting that a man should 
praise his lord in words and cherish him in 
heart when he must forth from the fleeting 
body. 

So the Geatish people, companions of his 
hearth, mourned the fall of their lord ; said that 
he was a mighty king, the mildest and kindest 
of men, most gracious to his people, and most 
desirous of praise. 



148 



NOTES 

(References are to the lines of the poem.) 

lo. Ocean-paths, lit., whale-road; but the metaphor was 
probably somewhat faded at this time. Cf. 200. 

142. Thane of hell, reading hel-^egnes, with Ettmiiller 
and Bugge. 

226. Sarks, coats of mail. 

321. Byrnie, a name for a coat of mail. 

455. Wyrdy in Germanic mythology, goddess of fate. 
Cf. Latin For tuna. 

IG02-1005. I have followed the various emendations of 
this passage presented in Holder's edition of the text. 

1 125. At this point the MS. marks the beginning of Sec- 
tion XVII. 

1604. They longed, reading wise ton with Kemble. 

1740. At this point the MS. marks the beginning of Sec- 
tion XXV. 

1 861. Gannefs bath, that is, the sea. Cf. 10 and 200. 

1875. That they would never meet again, reading na 
ges'eon mbston, with Bugge. 

1942. A weaver of peace, that is, a queen. Cf. 2017, 
the great queen, peace and bond of peoples. 

2021. Unto the warriors, in order, lit., at the end, or 
from end to end. 

2144. This is the next number in the MS. after XXVIII. 
149 



NOTES 

2215. At this point the MS. is sadly mutilated. Six lines 
are illegible. They have been reconstructed by 
Bugge, and I have followed his version in the trans- 
lation, save for the word king in line 2220, which is 
from Morris-Wyatt. 

2226. Three more illegible lines. 

2263. Glee-wood^ that is, a harp. 

2460. At this point the MS. marks the beginning of 
XXXV. 

2549. I'h^ ^^^^ could not, reading deor, with Grundtvig 
and Bugge. 

2946. At this point the MS. marks the beginning of 
XLI. 

2982. Of the brother, that is, Wulf. 

3005. This line, which may be translated, after the fall 
of heroes, the brave Scyldings, is quite unintelligible, 
and is accordingly omitted in the translation. 

31 51-31 5 5. Five badly mutilated lines. Bugge's recon- 
struction is again used in the translation. 



INDEX OF PROPER NAMES 



Mlfhere, see Wiglaf. 

^schere, 1294, 2122, Hrothgar's councilor, slain by 

Grendel's mother. 
Beanstan, 524, father of Breca. 
Beowulf the Dane, 18, 53, not the hero of the poem, an 

ancestor of Hrothgar. 
Beowulf the Geat, hero of the poem, son of Ecgtheow, 

and by his mother nephew to Hygelac. 
Breca, 521, son of Beanstan, and a chief of the Brondings. 

He contended with Beowulf in swimming. 

Brising collar, mentioned in the Edda as worn by the 
goddess Freyja ; it is said that one Hama carried off 
this collar when he fled from Eormanric (q. v.), 1195. 
The beautiful circlet given to Beowulf (1199) is 
thought worthy to be compared with these famous 
jewels. 

Brondings, see Breca. 

Dceghrefn, 2502, a warriorof the Hugs, slain by Beowulf. 

Danes, variously called Scyldings, Ingwine, Hrethmen, 
North-, South-, East-, West-Danes. They are the 
people of Hrothgar, and their home is in Southern 
Sweden. 

151 



PROPER NAMES 

Eadgils, son of Ohthere, who with his brother, Eanmund, 
was banished from Sweden because of rebellion ; they 
flee to the land of the Geats, where Heardred is king. 
An invasion of the Geatish land follows, headed by 
Onela, king of the Swedes. King Heardred is slain, 
and Onela leaves Beowulf to succeed to the throne. 
Beowulf later aids Eadgils in avenging himself. 2379- 
2396. 

Eanmund, 2612, son of Ohthere and brother to Eadgils, 
slain by Weohstan. 

Ecglaf, 499, 980, 1465, father of Unferth. 

Ecgtheow, 495, etc., father of Beowulf and husband to 
the only daughter of King Hrethel. He slew Heath- 
olaf of the Wylfings, and afterwards fled to Hrothgar's 
court where he was graciously received. 

Ecgwela, 17 10, mentioned as an ancestor of the Danes. 

Elan, daughter of Healfdene and sister of Hrothgar. The 

reading at line 62, which makes her wife to Ongen- 

theow, is not certain. 
Eofor, a Geatish warrior, son of Wodred and brother to 

Wulf. His fight with King Ongentheow of the 

Swedes is told at line 2961. 
Eomcer, son of Off a and Thrytho (q. v.). 
Eormanric, king of the Ostrogoths, see Prising Collar. 

Eotens, 1072, 1088, 1141, 1145, the people of Finn ; per- 
haps the Jutes. 

Finn, king of the Eotens. He carries off Hildeburh, 
daughter of Hoc, a Danish princess. This is the 
beginning of a feud (told of in the episode at line 
1068), in which Hnsef and Hengest, brothers of 
Hildeburh, attempt to avenge the loss of their sister 
and the death of their father. In the course of the 
feud both the brothers and King Finn lose their 
lives. 

152 



PROPER NAMES 

Finns, 580 ; it is on their land that Beowulf is cast up, 
after his swimming-match with Breca. 

Fitela, 879, nephew to Sigemund (q. v.). 

Folcwalda, 1089, father of Finn. 

Franks, 1202, 2912 ; " Hygelac was defeated and slain in 
his historical invasion of the Netherlands by a com- 
bined army of Frisians, Franks and Hugs." 
(Wyatt.) 

Freawaru, daughter of Hrothgar, betrothed to Ingeld of 
the Heathobards in order to make peace between 
that people and the Danes. Beowulf prophesies (in 
the episode at line 2022) that this will fail, because 
the Heathobards cannot bear to see the thane who 
attends Freawaru in their court, wearing armor taken 
from their own fathers by the Danes. 

Frisians, " There are (i) the North Frisians, the people 
of Finn, 1068 ff. ; (2) the West Frisians, who com- 
bined with the Franks and Hugs against Hygelac, 
1202, 2912." (Wyatt.) 

Froda, 2025, father of Ingeld. 

Garmund, 1962, father of Offa, grandfather of Eomaer. 

Geats, variously called Weder-, Sea- and War-Geats, 
Weders, Hrethlings. The nation to which Beowulf 
belongs ; their land is in Southern Sweden, north of 
the Danes. 

Gifths, 2494, the Gepidae (?). 

Grendel, an evil monster, descended of the wicked brood 
of Cain. 

Guthlaf, 1 148, a Danish warrior, who, with Oslaf, 
brought fresh troops against King Finn (q. v.). 

Hoereth, 1929, 198 1, father of Hygd (q. v.). 

153 



PROPER NAMES 
Hosthcyn, 2434, 2475, 2925, second son of Hrethel, king of 
the Geats. He kills his elder brother, Herebeald, 
and at his brother's death succeeds to the throne, but 
is slain by Ongentheow. 

Half-Danes, 1069, the tribe to which Hnaef belongs. 

Halga, 61, younger brother to Hrothgar. 

Hama^ see Prising Collar. 

Healfdene, 57, 189, etc., Hrothgar's father, son of King 

Beowulf of the Danes ; he preceded Hrothgar as 

king of the Danes. 

Heardredy 2200, 2385, son of Hygelac, and for a time 
King of the Geats. Beowulf acts as his adviser, until 
he is slain by Onela of the Swedes. 

Heatkobards, 2032, the tribe to which Ingeld belongs. 
Heatholafy see Ecgtheow. 

Heathoroemasy 519, after his swimming-match Breca is cast 
up on their coasts, perhaps in Norway. 

Helmings, 620, perhaps a tribe which later settled in East 
Anglia. Wealhtheow is called "lady of the Hel- 
mings." 

Hemming. 1944, 1961, Offa and Eomaer are called " kins- 
men of Hemming." 

ffengest, see Finn. 

Heorogar, 61, eldest son of Healfdene and brother of 

Hrothgar. 
Heorot, Hrothgar's hall. 
ffeoroweard, 2161, son of Heorogar. 

ffeorobeald, 2434, 2463, son of King Hrethel, killed by 
his brother Haethcyn. 

154 



PROPER NAMES 

fferemod, a king of the Danes. Twice (901, 1719), men- 
tioned as the type of the cruel and incompetent king. 
Nothing certain is known of him, save what is told 
in this poem, but Sievers identifies him with the 
Lotherus of Saxo. According to one theory, it is 
the reign of the wicked Heremod that accounts for 
the misery of the Danish nation, mentioned at line 
14 of the Prologue. 

Her eric, 2206, Heardred is the "nephew of Hereric." 
Hetwaras, 2363, 2916, one of the tribes which resisted 

Hygelac in his historical invasion. 
Hildeburh, see Finn. 
Hncef^ see Finn. 
Hoc, see Finn. 
Hondscioy 2076, Beowulf's thane, slain by Grendel. 

Hreosnabeorh, 2477, scene of the invasion of Geatland by 
Onela and Ohthere. 

HretheU 373. 454. 1203, 1485, 2435, a king of the Geats, 
son of Swerting, father of Hygelac, Herebeald, and 
Hathcyn, grandfather of Beowulf. 

Hrethlings, 2960, i. e., people of Hrethel, — the Geats. 

Hrethmen, 445, a name of the Danes. 

Hrethric, 1189, 1836, Hrothgar's eldest son. 

Hrothgar, king of the Danes, son of Healfdene, builder 
of Heorot. 

Hrothmund, 1189, Hrothgar's younger son. 

Hroikulf, 107 1, 1 181, Hrothgar's nephew. 

Hrunting, 1457, 1490, 1659, 1807, name of Unferth's 

sword, which he lent to Beowulf. 
HugSt see Franks. 

155 



PROPER NAMES 

Hunlaf^ 1 143. the "son of Hunlaf," an Eoten is men- 
tioned as the slayer of Hengest. See Finn. 

Hygd^ 1926, 2172, 2369, Hygelac's gracious queen, 
daughter of Hsereth. 

Hygelac, 194, etc., king of the Geats, son of Hrethel, 
and uncle to Beowulf. 

Ingeld, see Freawaru. 

Ingwine, 1044, 1319, i. e., Ingsevones, a name of the 
Danes. 

Merovingian, 2921, i. e., the Merovingian king. 

Ncegling, 2680, name of Beowulf's sword used in fighting 
the Dragon. 

Offa, see Thrytho. 

Ohthere, son of Ongentheow, father of Eanmund and 
Eadgils (q. v.). 

Onela, brother to Ohthere, and a king of Sweden. See 
Eadgils. 

OngentheoWy 62, 2475, king of the Swedes. His ven- 
geance upon the Geats, who invaded his land and 
captured his wife, is told in the episode at line 2910; 
also how he was slain by Hygelac's thane, Eofor. 

Oslaf, see Guthlaf. 

Ravenswood, 2925, 2935, scene of the battle in which 
Hygelac met Ongentheow. Probably in Sweden. 

Scyld, 4, 26, called Scefing, i. e., "of the Sheaf," or, 
perhaps, son of Scef. He is the founder of the 
Danish royal family, and is represented in the Pro- 
logue as having been put to sea in a boat (with a 
sheaf of wheat ?) when a helpless child, and as having 
been found by the Danes. 

Scyldings, a name for the Danes, descendants of Scyld 
(q. v.). 

156 



PROPER NAMES 
Scyljings, a common name for the Swedes (q. v.). 
Sigemund, the Volsung, or son of Waels, uncle to Fitela ; 

hero of the episode at line 874. 
Swedes, also called Scylfings ; they dwell in what is now 

Northern Sweden. 
Swerting, 1203, Hygelac is called "grandson of Swert- 

ing." 

Thryiho, a cruel queen, contrasted with Hygd in the 
episode at line 1931. She was married to Offa, the 
great king of the Angles, who subdued her, so that 
she became renowned for her graces ; their son was 
Eomaer. 

Unferth, Hrothgar's spokesman, who quarrels with Beo- 
wulf (499), but who afterwards lends him his sword 
(1455). 

Woegmundings , 2607, 2814, the family (possibly Swedish), 
to which Beowulf and Wiglaf belong. 

Wcels, see Sigemund. 

Wealhtheow, 612, 629, 1162, etc., Hrothgar's queen. 

Weders, see Geats. 

Weland, 455, in Germanic mythology, the smith of the 
gods ; he made Beowulf's coat of mail. 

Wendlas, perhaps the Vandals ; see Wulfgar. 

Weohstan, 2602, etc., father of Wiglaf (q. v.), and slayer 
of Eanmund. 

Wiglaf, 2602, son of Weohstan, and kinsman of Beowulf. 
Beowulf's faithful thane. 

Withergild, 2051, probably a warrior of the Heatho- 

bards. 
Wonred, 2965, 2971, father of Wulf and Eofor. 
157 



PROPER NAMES 

Wulf, 2965, 2993, son of Wonred and brother of Eofor. 
Wounded by Ongentheow in the battle of Ravens- 
wood, but rescued by his brother. 

Wulf gar, 348, etc., a chief of the AVendlas, Hrothgar's 
herald. 

Wyljings, 461, the tribe to which Heatholaf belonged ; 
located perhaps in southeastern Sweden. 

Wyrd, in Germanic mythology, goddess of fate ; cf. Latin 
Fortuna. 

Yrmenlaf, younger brother of -^schere, (q. v.). 



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